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Champion Information:
Height (Ft): 22
Circumference (In): 78
Average Crown Spread (Ft): 20
Total Points: 105
Nominator Name: Frank Callahan
Location: Malheur County
Species Information:
Uses
Windbreaks: Plant silver buffaloberry in the outer rows of multi-row plantings when supplemental moisture is available. This species has potential for single-row plantings where a low, dense barrier is desired.
Wildlife: The thorny thickets
formed by the shrub create ideal cover for numerous bird and animal
species. It is preferred nesting site
for many songbirds. Some birds eat the
fruit although it is not relished by a wide variety of species.
Recreation and
Beautification: The thorns and
suckering habit of this species must be taken into consideration when planning
its use in recreation areas. The fruit
is highly prized for making jelly.
Status
Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural Resources for this plant’s current status (e.g. threatened or endangered species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).
Description
Shepherdia argentea (Pursh) Nutt., silver buffaloberry, is a deciduous, thorny shrub or small tree of 6 to 20 feet in height native to North America. It occurs as scattered to frequent plants along streams, in bottomlands, and on moist hillsides throughout western Wyoming and Colorado at elevations to 7,500 feet. The shrub is winter hardy and alkaline tolerant, but has only limited drought and shade tolerance. Under favorable conditions, it readily forms thorny thickets.
Fruits are reddish,
globe-shaped “berries” (drupes) about 1/8 to 1/4 inch across; flowers are
brownish-yellow, small, with male and female flowers borne on separate plants
in clusters of 1 to 3 at the leaf axils; leaves are opposite, silvery-scurfy,
oblong and entire, up to 2 inches long; stems are thorny, silvery-scurfy when
young, brownish in age; roots are shallow and much branched, readily sprouting.
Adaptation and Distribution
This species is adapted to elevations below 7,500 feet and 15 to 20 inches of precipitation equivalent; it requires supplemental moisture in low precipitation zones.
Management
Planted areas should be kept free of weeds during the first 2 years of establishment. Care should be taken to prevent suckers from taking root in unwanted areas around homes and agricultural systems. Over-sprouting can be controlled mechanically or through the use of approved herbicides.
Pests and Potential Problems
This species may be subject to a heart rot disease which can cause serious problems. There are no known serious insect problems.
From Plant Database: www.plants.usda.gov
