Buffaloberry
Deciduous shrub reaching 1-3 m tall. Features oval leaves with silvery undersides and small, yellowish flowers in early spring before leaves emerge. Produces edible but bitter red berries. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. Nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Provides food for wildlife. Suitable for poor soils, woodland edges, and wildlife gardens. Native to northern North America.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Yellow
Bloom Time: Early Spring
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Dry to Moist-Drained
Phenology: Leaves emerge May. Yellow flowers appear April before leaves. Red berries mature July-August. Silver foliage drops late October.
Wildlife Value: Berries eaten by birds and bears; flowers attract early pollinators; provides cover for wildlife; nitrogen-fixing benefits ecosystem
Habit Over Time: Creates a medium-sized shrub with irregular branching and silvery foliage. While it may slowly spread through root suckers, new stems typically emerge close to the parent plant. The open growth pattern allows filtered light to reach the ground. Branch structure provides good winter interest.
Height: Medium (3-6 feet)