Buffaloberry

Species very drought hardy and salt tolerant; commonly used in wildlife plantings and for shelterbelts.

Latin name: Shepherdia argentia Nutt

Type of tree: broadleaf (native shrub)

• Bark (colour and texture): lateral branches have sharp spines at tip and are almost perpendicular to the main branch
• Leaves (shape, size, etc.): silvery, 2 to 5 centimetres in length
• Form: bushy shrub with an irregular growth habit

Height: 4 to 5 metres

Growth rate: medium

Fruit and flowers: small yellow flowers appear in late June or early July; male and female flowers are borne on separate plants; female plants bear orange-red berry-like fruit

Soil: performs best in moist well-drained sites; good alkali tolerance

Limitations: suckers freely and forms dense irregular hedge that may be considered undesirable