Canadian Buffaloberry vs European Hazelnut - TreeTime.ca

Canadian Buffaloberry vs European Hazelnut

Shepherdia canadensis

Corylus avellana

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Canadian Buffaloberry
European Hazelnut

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.

European Hazelnut is a large shrub that is native to Europe. It is known for its edible nuts that ripen in late summer to early fall. The nuts can be eaten raw or roasted and have a sweet, earthy flavour. Nut production can start as early as 2-3 years but typically takes until at least 4 years for significant yields.

Catkins appear in late winter to early spring and as they release pollen it attracts bees and other pollinators. Since male and female flowers bloom at different times, multiple shrubs will have to be planted for cross pollination. It is recommended to plant European Hazelnut with other hazelnut varieties such as Beaked Hazelnut, Frank, Yamhill, and York. Planting with other varieties will increase nut production.

Canadian Buffaloberry Quick Facts

European Hazelnut Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 4a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 5 m (16 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 4 m (12 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: medium
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: dark green with silver undersides
Flowers: tiny, red
Berries: red bitter berries (edible)
Nuts: woody shelled with thin brown skin
Flavor: sweet, with an earthy taste
Harvest: late summer - early fall
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Other Names: canada buffalo berry, canada buffaloberry, canadian buffaloberry, foam berry, foamberry, russet buffaloberry, soap berry, soapberry, soopolallie
Other Names: cobnut, common filbert, common hazelnut, european filbert, european hazel