Silver Buffaloberry

Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea). Shepherdia argentea, commonly known as silver buffaloberry or thorny buffaloberry, is a vigorous, deciduous shrub with an upright, branched habit, recognized for its bright silver foliage and high tolerance to difficult conditions. Its narrow leaves covered with fine silvery hairs reflect light and provide a remarkable contrast in informal hedges or naturalized plantings. In spring, small, discreet yellowish flowers appear before the foliage. On female plants, these are followed in late summer by edible, tart, bright red berries rich in vitamin C, valued for jellies and and jams.

To plant silver buffaloberry, choose a suitable exposure: full sun. The recommended soil is: poor, sandy or calcareous, well-drained. Water the root ball before planting it in the ground and ensure that water can drain away after planting. During establishment, check moisture by hand before watering again. Spread mulch around the base, leaving the crown clear. Avoid systematic fertilizer applications without considering soil richness. In Quebec, choose a period when the ground is thawed and easy to work. In hot weather, monitor newly planted specimens more frequently.

Allow a width of 3 m (10 ft) to plan the placement of this plant in the garden. The indicated height of 4 m (13 ft) helps in choosing its position relative to neighboring plants. Maintain access to the base for weeding, checking moisture, and removing damaged parts. Combine this variety with plants that have compatible light and water requirements. If considering a container, first check that its volume and drainage are suitable for root development. Roots in pots are more exposed to cold than those planted in the ground.