Buffalo-berry
Shepherdia argentea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Shepherdia argentea is a drought-tolerant native shrub with silvery foliage that blooms in April and May across western and central North America from Arizona to Wyoming.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Buffalo-berry as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
72"–240" H × 72"–240" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 14 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Buffalo-berry is a large, drought-tolerant shrub with silvery-gray foliage that creates an attractive backdrop in the landscape. It produces small spring flowers followed by bright red or orange berries, and can grow quite large at maturity. This native shrub is extremely hardy and requires minimal water once established.
Growing Buffalo-berry
Grow Buffalo-berry in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 72 to 240 inches tall and spread 72 to 240 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Buffalo-berry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Grows very large (up to 20 feet)
- Can appear wild and unstructured
- May sucker and spread beyond intended area
Wildlife value
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The colorful berries provide food for birds and other wildlife throughout fall and winter.
Common questions
- Where does Shepherdia argentea naturally grow?
- Buffalo-berry is native to 19 states across western and central North America, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
- When does Buffalo-berry bloom?
- Shepherdia argentea typically blooms in April and May, producing small flowers before the leaves fully emerge.
- What pollinators visit Buffalo-berry flowers?
- The small flowers of Shepherdia argentea attract bees and beetles, which serve as the primary pollinators for this native shrub.
- What growing conditions does Buffalo-berry prefer?
- This hardy shrub thrives in full sun locations with low water requirements, making it well-suited for xeriscape gardens and natural areas with sandy or rocky soils.
- Is Buffalo-berry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Buffalo-berry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Buffalo-berry HOA-friendly?
- Buffalo-berry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Buffalo-berry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz