Shepherdia canadensis

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Shepherdia canadensis

Also known as: Buffalo Berry, Russet buffaloberry, Canada Buffaloberry

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Shrub

Format: Smal

Height: 2.50 m

Width: - m

Growth Rate: Moderate

Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 2-6

Soil Moisture:
Permeable, Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit

Edibility:
(3)

Medicinal:
(2)

Features:
Nitrogen, Repellent

Description

The fruit of this plant can be eaten raw or cooked. Before it freezes, it has a sharp but pleasant taste, but after frost, it becomes sweeter. Sometimes the fruit can also have a bitter taste. The berries are often used in cakes and were once a beloved candy of the North American Indians. They made a foam from the berries and water by whipping the mixture, similar to beaten eggs. The berries should not come into contact with fat, as this would hinder the formation of foam. Sugar is now used to make the fruit sweeter, and the candy is now called 'Indian ice.' The fruits are also valued for their saponin content. They have a diameter of about 5 mm.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/08

End of Harvest: 30/09

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Amelanchier alnifolia Serviceberry	Amelanchier helps to attract beneficial pollinators to the area, enhancing fruit set for Shepherdia.
Caragana arborescens Siberian Pea Tree	Cornus can provide a habitat and food for birds, which helps in seed dispersal and pest control for Shepherdia.
Corylus avellana Hazel	Hazelnut contributes to soil fertility with its nitrogen-fixing ability, benefiting the Shepherdia's growth.
Ribes nigrum Blackcurrant	Black currants can repel certain pests and improve biodiversity, supporting healthier growth of Shepherdia.
Vaccinium corymbosum Northern blueberry	Blueberry plants can share similar soil and moisture requirements, creating a symbiotic relationship with Shepherdia.