(Shepherdia canadensis)
An extremely drought-tolerant and cold-hardy shrub, the fruits have a nice lemony, sweet/tart taste and have recently earned the label of a "superfruit."
The berries are exceptionally rich in vitamin C, with 100 grams providing about three times the daily requirement. They also contain iron, potassium, and phosphorus.
Nitrogen-Fixing Bonus!
This non-leguminous, nitrogen-fixing shrub is hardy down to Zone 2.
ZONE: 2-9
POLLINATOR: No
DEER RESISTANT: Yes "highly"
DROUGHT TOLERANT: Yes "highly"
EVERGREEN: Yes
SPREADS BY SEED: Yes
NEEDS A CROSS POLLINATOR: Yes
AGE OF PLANT: Estimated 2-3yrs old (current stock)
MATURE HEIGHT: 6-20 ft tall & wide but can be pruned annually late winter or early spring to remain 8ftx8
BUFFALOBERRY
PLANTING & GROWING
Prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade and a wide range of soil types, including sandy, clay, or alkaline soils. Requires male plant to produce fruit.
MEDICINAL BENEFITS
- Berries and inner bark were used to treat constipation, while a decoction of the stems was used for general stomach ailments
- A decoction of the plant was used as a wash for arthritis, aching joints, and muscular pain
- Bark and leaves were used to treat cuts, sores, acne, and boils
- The berries are very high in Vitamin C and antioxidants like lycopene, making them a nutritious "superfruit"
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
FLAVOR & PAIRING
Buffalo berries are tart, astringent, and slightly soapy berries that become sweeter after the first frost. Often used in jellies, sauces, and "Indian ice cream" (whipped with sugar), they pair best with sweeteners like maple syrup, fruits like blackberries, or savory meats such as venison to balance their sharp, bitter, and complex flavor.