Common Caragana vs Silver Buffalo Berry - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs Silver Buffalo Berry

Caragana arborescens

Shepherdia argentea

Common Caragana
Silver Buffalo Berry

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

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.

Common Caragana Quick Facts

Silver Buffalo Berry Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $2.79 - SAVE UP TO 44%
Lowest Price: $3.49 - SAVE UP TO 42%
Zone: 1b
Zone: 2a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 5 m (18 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: deep red, edible
Flowers: yellow, in spring
Flowers: white
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: medium
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: none
Suckering: high

In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)

In row spacing: 0.9 - 1.2 m (3 - 4 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)


Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia
Other Names: buffalo shepherdia, silver buffaloberry, thorny buffaloberry