Previous species

Next Species

Home Page

Silver Buffaloberry
Scientific Name: Shepherdia argentea (Pursh) Nutt.
Synonym: Lepargyrea argentea, Elaeagnus utilis
Family: Elaeagnaceae

Show Larger Picture Lepargyrea argentea, Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. Illustrated flora of the northern states and Canada. Vol. 2: 577.

Recommended Temperature Zone: sunset: 1-3,7-10,14-24 USDA: 3 to 10 Sun Exposure: Full sun Origin: Western and northwestern North America, from British Columbia to New Mexico Growth Habits: Deciduous small tree or large shrub; thicket-forming; from 3.3 to 20 feet tall (1-6 m); silvery leaves 0.8 to 2.0 inches long (2-5 cm), 0.3 to 0.4 inch wide (7-10 mm) Watering Needs: Needs little water when established, but grows well on moist to wet soils Propagation: Seeds, root cuttings

Fruiting Habits:
One-seeded ovoid fruit, 0.16 to 0.24 inch long (4-6mm) in late summer. The fruit is edible, sour tasting when raw, but used for jams and jellies. 'Sakakawea' is a variety selected for its fruits.