Silver Buffaloberry Thorny Buffaloberry

Silver buffaloberry, also called thorny buffaloberry, is a deciduous shrub native to the Great Plains and Rocky Mountain regions of North America. Growing 6-15 feet tall with silvery, scaly leaves and thorny branches, it produces small yellowish flowers followed by bright red berries.

This species is extremely drought- and cold-hardy, thriving in full sun with well-drained soil and low to moderate water needs. Hardy to USDA zones 2-4, it tolerates wind and poor soils. The berries are edible and were traditionally used by Native Americans and early settlers. The plant provides wildlife food and dense cover.