Silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea)

Silver buffaloberry

Silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is a deciduous shrub with silvery-green foliage. It grows wild in thickets across eastern and central North America. Despite the common name, the red "berries" are technically not berries at all, but rather stone fruit. The fruits contain saponins that make them relatively hazardous to consume.

Scientific classification

Species

Silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea)

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Tree, Shrub

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer, Mid summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

2.5 m to 3.5 m

Plant Height

2.5 m to 3.5 m

Spread

Silver, Gray

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Silver buffaloberry

Attributes of Silver buffaloberry

Growth Rate

During Spring and Summer, silver buffaloberry exhibits a significantly rapid growth rate. This growth speed influences early leaf production and encourages dense foliage. Stem elongation can also increase its overall height swiftly. Its rapid growth pattern may lead to earlier bloom and fruit development, translating into a robust life cycle and quicker ecological succession. These characteristics underscore silver buffaloberry's adaptation to temperate climates with shorter growth seasons.

Quickly Identify Silver buffaloberry

Silver-hued leaves with rounded tips and acute/wedge-shaped bases, 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) long.

Distinctive bright-red berries, 1/4-1/3 inch (6.35-8.47 mm) in diameter, with single seeds.

Thorny stem covered in silvery scales, slender and branching erratically, shedding scales after 2 years.

Exfoliating bark on trunk, rough texture revealing grayish brown layers, distinctive peeling pattern.

Spring-blooming yellowish female flowers, 0.1-0.2 inches (2.5-5 mm) long, lacking significant scent.

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Care Guide for Silver buffaloberry

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Silver buffaloberry prefers moderate moisture and tolerates short droughts, requiring watering every 1-2 weeks. It thrives with conditions resembling its native shrublands’ rainfall. As a deciduous plant, its water needs increase during spring and summer for optimal growth and foliage health.

Fertilize: For silver buffaloberry, apply balanced fertilizers in early spring for growth, with high nitrogen after flowering to enhance fruit. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during growing periods, reducing in fall and none in winter. Incorporate near roots without touching stems or leaves for optimal health.

Pruning: Silver buffaloberry is a shrub with silvery foliage and bright berries. Prune in early spring, removing dead or overcrowded branches to improve air circulation. Rejuvenate older plants by cutting back one-third of the oldest stems to maintain vigor and enhance berry production.

Propagation: Silver buffaloberry, native to North America, flourishes in well-drained soils and is ideal for hedges. Preferring full sun, it propagates through seeds needing stratification for germination. Once stratified, seeds should be sown in sterile mix and kept moist, with seedlings requiring gradual acclimatization before transplanting.

Repotting: Silver buffaloberry requires pots with excellent drainage to thrive effectively, ensuring proper moisture management and root health.

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