Canadian Buffaloberry vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Canadian Buffaloberry vs Red Alder

Shepherdia canadensis

Alnus rubra

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Canadian Buffaloberry
Red Alder

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.

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

Canadian Buffaloberry Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 5b
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: none


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


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