Silver Buffaloberry
Hardiness zone: 2
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Important note : This plant is dioecious , meaning that both a male and a female plant are required for fruit production. Since the sex of young plants cannot be determined at this stage, it is advisable to purchase two or more plants to increase the chances of obtaining both sexes.
Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea)
Ultra Hardy Silver Hedge Shrub for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7)
Quick Expert Summary
The Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is a moderate-growing, extremely cold-hardy shrub ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada (Zones 2–7). It typically grows 1–2 ft per year (30–60 cm) and reaches 3-20 ft (1-6 m) at maturity with a spread of about 10 ft (3 m). Best for hedging, windbreaks, and naturalized landscapes, it offers striking silvery foliage and exceptional tolerance to poor, dry, and alkaline soils.
Why Choose Silver Buffaloberry for Ontario and Eastern Canada?
Silver Buffaloberry is one of the toughest landscape shrubs available, thriving where many plants struggle—perfect for difficult soils and cold climates.
- Hardiness: Zone 2 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7)
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Best For: Privacy, windbreak, ornament
- Maintenance: Low once established
- Key Feature: Silver foliage and colorful berries
- Native / Non-native: Native to North America
It adapts well to:
- Sandy soils
- Poor or rocky soils
- Alkaline soils
- Urban and rural environments
- Wind, drought, and cold climates
Tree/Shrub Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mature Height | 3-20 ft (6 m) |
| Mature Spread | ~10 ft (3 m) |
| Growth Rate | 1–2 ft per year |
| Hardiness Zone | 2 (Ideal for Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7) |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun |
| Soil Preference | Well-drained, sandy, adaptable |
| Water Needs | Low to moderate (regular first year) |
| Drought Tolerance | High once established |
| Deer Resistance | High |
| Lifespan | 30–50+ years |
Is Silver Buffaloberry Right for Your Yard?
Choose Silver Buffaloberry if:
- You want a hardy hedge within 3–5 years
- You have a medium to large yard
- You live in Zone 2–7
- You want drought tolerance + unique silver foliage
- You need a shrub for difficult or poor soils
Not ideal if:
- Your soil stays very wet
- You want a soft, thornless shrub
- You are planting in shade
Best Uses
- Privacy hedges
- Windbreaks
- Naturalized landscapes
- Wildlife habitat
- Dry or difficult sites
Why it works: While its nitrogen-fixing roots improve soil, its dense branching, thorny structure, and extreme toughness make it ideal for protective hedges and low-maintenance landscapes in harsh conditions.
What Makes Silver Buffaloberry Special?
A rugged, silver-toned shrub that thrives where others fail.
- Spring: Small yellow-green flowers appear before leaves
- Summer: Silvery foliage reflects light beautifully
- Fall: Bright red to orange berries attract birds
- Winter: Dense branching and silvery stems add structure
Winter Survival in Ontario and Eastern Canada
Yes, Silver Buffaloberry is hardy in Ontario and Eastern Canada Zones 2–7 and tolerates extreme winter cold, snow, and wind exposure.
First-year tip:
- Add 2–3 inches of mulch
- Water deeply before the first hard frost
- Protect from excessive moisture buildup
Planting Guide for Ontario and Eastern Canada
Best planting time:
- Spring (April–June)
- Early fall (September–October)
Spacing:
- 8–12 ft from foundations
- 6–10 ft between plants
Watering (first year):
- Water deeply once per week
- Allow soil to dry slightly between watering
- Adjust based on rainfall
Quick Answers (FAQ)
How fast does Silver Buffaloberry grow in Ontario?
Typically 1–2 ft per year under good conditions.
Is it cold hardy in Ontario?
Yes. It is hardy to Zone 2 and extremely reliable in Canadian climates.
Does it need another tree for pollination?
Yes—plants are dioecious; both male and female plants are needed for fruit production.
Are the roots invasive?
No, but it may spread slowly and is well suited for natural hedges.
Is it messy?
Low—berries may drop in fall, but overall it is very low maintenance.
Compare With Similar Trees/Shrubs
| Tree | Growth | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Buffaloberry | Moderate | Silver foliage | Dry hedges |
| Common Seabuckthorn | Fast | Edible berries | Coastal/dry sites |
| Canada Buffaloberry | Slow | Eastern Canada Native+Silver leaves | Naturalization |
Shipping Across Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Nursery-grown
- Carefully packaged
- Shipped to your door in Quebec, Ontario and Atlantic Provinces
- Healthy root system guarantee
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Sizes of our plants
Sizes of our plants
Our trees and shrubs are sold in two sizes: small (110 ml volume) and large (310 ml volume).
Volume discount
Volume discount
At TreesOnline.ca, the more you buy, the more you save! We offer a volume discount program that benefits our customers who place large orders! To find out the discount you will receive, based on the value of your order, consult the table below.
From $0.00 to $199.99 = 0% discount
From $200.00 to $299.99 = 5% discount
$300.00 and over = 10% discount
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery across Canada - Spring 2026
Delivery available across Canada. Order now and receive your plants in Spring 2026.
Nursery pickup: A flat preparation and packaging fee of $8 will be added to your bill upon pickup. Select the "nursery pickup" option at checkout on our online store.
Quebec and Ontario: Base fee of $23, plus 20% of the plants' value. Add $5 for signature.
All other Canadian provinces: Base fee of $50, plus 20% of the plant value. Add $5 for signature.
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Glossary of trees and shrubs of Quebec
Questions about our terminology? Consult our online glossary .
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