Canadian Buffalo-berry
Shepherdia canadensis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Shepherdia canadensis is a deciduous shrub with silvery green leaves that blooms in May and June, growing well in part sun with medium to low water in cooler, often rocky or mountainous habitats.
Toxicity unknown
Canadian Buffalo-berry (Shepherdia canadensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Canadian Buffalo-berry as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–72" H × 24"–72" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, IA and 20 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Canadian buffalo-berry is a compact native shrub with silvery-green foliage that creates an attractive, well-rounded form. It produces small clusters of yellow flowers in late spring followed by bright red or orange berries that persist into fall.
Growing Canadian Buffalo-berry
Grow Canadian Buffalo-berry in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 72 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Canadian Buffalo-berry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
The spring blooms attract native bees and beetles for pollination. The nutritious berries provide food for birds and small mammals throughout fall and winter.
Common questions
- When does Shepherdia canadensis bloom?
- Shepherdia canadensis produces its small flowers in May and June.
- What pollinates Shepherdia canadensis?
- Bees and beetles are the main pollinators visiting the flowers of Shepherdia canadensis.
- How much light does Shepherdia canadensis need?
- This shrub does best in part sun but can tolerate conditions ranging from full sun to part shade.
- How much water does Shepherdia canadensis need?
- Shepherdia canadensis grows well with medium watering and also tolerates drier, low water conditions once established.
- What kind of habitat suits Shepherdia canadensis?
- It grows in cooler climates, often on rocky slopes, open woodlands, and mountainous terrain, tolerating lean, well-drained soils.
- Is Canadian Buffalo-berry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Canadian Buffalo-berry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Canadian Buffalo-berry HOA-friendly?
- Canadian Buffalo-berry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Canadian Buffalo-berry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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