This deciduous slow growing mound-shaped shrub is a native of central and western North America. It has spiny silvery gray twigs and green leaves one to two inches long and covered with fine silky, silvery hairs. Inconspicuous pale yellow male and female flowers are produced on separate plants and are followed by football shaped berries in yellow, orange, or red on female plants. The berries provide food for birds while the foliage provides nesting sites for songbirds and is browsed by wildlife including deer. Buffalo berry grows in a variety of soils and fixes nitrogen.
Type: Deciduous shrub
Outstanding Features: Adaptability,ed berries, silvery foliage
Form: Open, rounded mound
Growth Rate: Slow
Bloom: Inconspicuous pale yellow male and female flowers on separate plants
Size: 6-20′ H x 8-14′ W
Light: Full sun
Soil: Average, dry to medium moist, well-drained; tolerates drought, moderately infertile, saline, and alkaline soil
Hardiness: Zones 2-7
Pests and Diseases: Canker
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings, suckers
Outstanding Selection: For yellow fruit, ‘Xanthocarpa’ and ‘Goldeneye’.
