Mugo Pine vs Silver Buffalo Berry - TreeTime.ca

Mugo Pine vs Silver Buffalo Berry

Pinus mugo

Shepherdia argentea

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Mugo Pine
Silver Buffalo Berry

The Mugo Pine is a smaller evergreen that is commonly seen in small city lots or up against houses or commercial buildings. Its slow growth allows for a long life without ever getting too large.

It is a very attractive tree that seldom gets the attention it deserves outside of professional landscapers. Mugo Pine is an extremely hardy, adaptable evergreen.

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.

Mugo Pine Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Foliage: green, slender, silvery
Flowers: white
Berries: deep red, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, SK, MB
Other Names: mountain pine, swiss mountain pine
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry