Russet Buffaloberry, Shepherdia canadensis, Shrub Seeds (Fast, Edible, Hardy)

for 30 Seeds

Leaf: Alternate, simple, elliptical to ovate, entire margins, 1 to 2 inches long, somewhat thickened dark green above with numerous silvery white scales, silvery white below with red-brown scales.
Flower: Dioecious; male and female flowers both light yellow-green, small (1/6 inch) and inconspicuous, appearing in early spring.
Fruit: A bright red drupe-like achene, 1/3 inch long and somewhat elongated, generally with a few silvery scales, ripen in mid to late summer and often occur in great abundance.
Twig: Slender, light brown and covered in numerous reddish brown, scruffy scales; buds stalked with valvate scales, flower buds more round.
Bark: Shiny reddish gray with numerous lenticels that develop into larger cracks and splits.
Form: A small shrub reaching up to 6 feet in height (occasionally much larger) with a dense rounded crown.

Other Names: Russet Buffaloberry, Russet Buffalo berry, Hippophae canadensis, Rabbitberry, Foamberry Soapberry, Soopalollie, Canadian Buffaloberry

Zone: 2 to 6
Growth Rate: Fast
Plant Type: Deciduous Shrub
Family: Elaeagnaceae
Height: 6 to 8 feet
Spread: 6 to 8 feet
Shape: Upright, rounded
Bloom Time: April-May
Bloom Color: Yellow
Flower/Fruit: Small, inconspicuous, yellow flowers are followed by yellowish-red, oval-shaped fruits.
Sun: Full Sun to Part Shade
Drought Tolerance: High
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium

Site Requirements/ Soil Tolerances: Easily grown in average, medium, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerates wide range of soils. Very hardy and adaptable. Give it plenty of room to spread.

Culture: Can be pruned to a small tree. Remove root suckers and runners to control any unwanted spread of the plant. To keep it at a low height, cut it back to knee high every 5 to 10 years. If it gets too leggy, it can be cut back to the ground and it will come back bushier and with more berries the next year.

Sowing Shepherdia canadensis Seeds:
Russet Buffaloberry seeds possess a thick, impermeable seed-coat which prevents or significantly retards germination.
For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided.
Scarify: Pour Hot water over seed. Soak in water for 24 hours
Stratify: Cold 90 days, 40 Degrees F in a Moist Medium (Not wet).
Germination: Sow 1/8” Deep, Keep moist (Not wet)..