Canadian Buffaloberry vs Sitka Alder - TreeTime.ca

Canadian Buffaloberry vs Sitka Alder

Alnus alnobetula subsp. sinuata

Shepherdia canadensis

CUSTOM GROW

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Sitka Alder
Canadian Buffaloberry

Sitka Alder is a native deciduous shrub or small tree that often forms dense thickets. Its extensive root system stabilizes slopes and streambanks. Nitrogen-fixing capabilities and nutrient-rich leaf litter improve soil fertility, creating better growing conditions for surrounding plants. These qualities make it especially effective in disturbed or erosion-prone sites.
Often found in moist, high-elevation mountain environments, Sitka Alder also enhances habitat by providing cover and structure in both riparian and upland areas. Birds and small mammals utilize it for nesting, and its seeds serve as a food source.
Note: We use Sitka Alder for Alnus alnobetula subsp. sinuata. This species is also known by many other common names, including Mountain Alder, Green Alder, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

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.

Sitka Alder Quick Facts

Canadian Buffaloberry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Growth form: upright to prostrate, thicket-forming
Spreading: seed - medium, layering - medium
Suckering: none


Foliage: dark green with silver undersides
Bark: redish-brown to grey, smooth
Flowers: tiny, red
Berries: red bitter berries (edible)
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, YT, NT
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: wavy leaf alder
Other Names: canada buffalo berry, canada buffaloberry, canadian buffaloberry, foam berry, foamberry, russet buffaloberry, soap berry, soapberry, soopolallie