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Shepherdia canadensis
Shepherdia canadensis (L.) Nutt.
Russet Buffaloberry, Rabbitberry
Elaeagnaceae (Oleaster Family)
Synonym(s): Elaeagnus canadensis, Lepargyrea canadensis
USDA Symbol: shca
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), AK (N), CAN (N)
A small, loosely branched shrub of rounded outline, usually 4-8 ft. high and equally as wide, with thick, leathery, gray-green to russet-green foliage. Small, inconspicuous, yellow flowers are followed by yellowish-red, oval-shaped fruits. The orange-dotted white bark give the branches a rusty appearance. Branches opposite; young twigs brownish, scaly.
Deer and Elk consume the foliage of this shrub, while Grizzly and Black Bears consume the berries.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Fruit Type: Berry
Size Notes: Up to about 10 feet tall, often shorter.
Leaf: White-Gray
Fruit: Red or yellow.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: YellowBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , ID , IL , IN , ME , MI , MN , MT , ND , NM , NV , NY , OH , OR , PA , SD , UT , VT , WA , WI , WYCanada: AB , BC , MB , NB , NL , NS , ON , QC , SK , YT
Native Distribution: Nf. to AK, s. to ME, PA, Great Lakes, s. Man., CO Rockies, ID & OR; occurs locally in n. Great Plains
Native Habitat: Moist slopes; wooded, rocky hillsides; conifer openings
Growing Conditions
Water Use: MediumLight Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry , Moist
Soil pH: Alkaline (pH>7.2)
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Drought Tolerance: High
Soil Description: Adaptable, but prefers moist, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Tolerates the poorest of soils; does well in dry or alkaline situations. Low maintenance. Extremely cold- and drought-tolerant. For fruit set both male and female plants are required.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesValue to Beneficial Insects
Special Value to Native BeesThis information was provided by the Pollinator Program at The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation.
Propagation
Description: Plant is best propagated by cuttings. Treated seeds will also work.Seed Collection: Fruits may be collected by stripping or flailing from the branches. Seeds can be separated with a macerator and water.
Seed Treatment: Stratify for 60-90 days at 41 degrees. Acid scarification for 20-30 min. proves beneficial.
Commercially Avail: yes
Find Seed or Plants
Find seed sources for this species at the Native Seed Network.
View propagation protocol from Native Plants Network.
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | UPL | UPL | FACU | UPL | UPL | UPL |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Native Seed Network - Corvallis, OR
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallyBibref 841 - Native Alternatives to Invasive Plants (2006) Burrell, C. C.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Web Reference
Webref 30 - Calflora (2018) CalfloraWebref 38 - Flora of North America (2019) Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, MO & Harvard University Herbaria, Cambridge, MA.
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona Chapter
Additional resources
USDA: Find Shepherdia canadensis in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Shepherdia canadensis in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Shepherdia canadensis
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-10-21Research By: TWC Staff