Russian Olive vs Silver Buffalo Berry - TreeTime.ca

Russian Olive vs Silver Buffalo Berry

Shepherdia argentea

Elaeagnus angustifolia

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Silver Buffalo Berry
Russian Olive

Silver Buffalo Berry is a cold hardy, ornamental shrub that is commonly used in the first row of shelterbelts instead of caragana or lilac. It features subtle yellow flowers, smooth grey bark, and red fruit. On occasion orange fruit is produced and rarely a yellow fruit. Please note: we regularly collect the rare yellow and orange fruit to use for our seed source.

Long-lived and slow growing, Silver Buffalo Berry is commonly found around sloughs, in coulees, and on light soils across the prairies, and grows best in full sun.

Buyers can enjoy increased bird life to their property, as this shrub acts as a habitat plant. It is also commonly planted for its ornamental and winter interest. It is native to parts of central and western North America.

This species is also known as one of the more salt-tolerant species for those with saline soils.

Note: this berry has mixed reviews when fresh, but makes a desirable jam or jelly with what is described as a clove and pear taste.

Russian Olive is a medium-sized deciduous tree that has attractive silvery coloured foliage with small yellow flowers that emit a fragrant sweet smell.

It is drought and salt tolerant, and works well as a shelterbelt species. Russian Olive can also be used to combat erosion.

Note: although Russian Olive is planted as an attractive boulevard tree in many northern areas, in warmer areas it can invade watersheds and is considered invasive. Please do some research and plant the right tree in the right place.

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Russian Olive Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Height: 9 m (30 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: deep red, edible
Flowers: white
Flowers: yellow
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none

In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)

In row spacing: 1.8 - 2.4 m (6 - 8 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry
Other Names: silver berry oleaster, wild olive