Canadian Buffaloberry vs American Bladdernut - TreeTime.ca

Canadian Buffaloberry vs American Bladdernut

Shepherdia canadensis

Staphylea trifolia

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

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Canadian Buffaloberry
American Bladdernut

Canadian Buffalo Berry is a native deciduous shrub found throughout North America. This hardy, medium-sized shrub will tolerate poor soil conditions and produces attractive, edible–though very bitter–red fruit.

American Bladdernut is a fast-growing, ornamental shrub native to eastern North America. It can be grown as a large shrub or trained as a small tree. The small, drooping, white flowers are bell-shaped and grow in clusters. They appear in mid to late spring, attracting various pollinators. Well suited as an understory plant as it prefers shady and partial sun location with moist soils.

The blossoms mature into papery seed capsules and have been described as miniature Japanese lanterns. They are commonly used in dried flower arrangements. The seeds found within the pods are edible, and have a taste similar to pistachios. They can be eaten raw, used in baking or made into a sweet cooking oil.

Care should be taken when planting American Bladdernut, as it can spread quickly. It is prone to suckering and will self-seed. Plant the right tree in the right place.

Canadian Buffaloberry Quick Facts

American Bladdernut Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 4 m (12 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: shade, partial shade
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium


Foliage: dark green with silver undersides
Flowers: tiny, red
Flowers: white
Berries: red bitter berries (edible)
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: canada buffalo berry, canada buffaloberry, canadian buffaloberry, foam berry, foamberry, russet buffaloberry, soap berry, soapberry, soopolallie