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Shepherdia argentea

silverberry

An upright, often tree-like, bushy deciduous shrub with oblong leaves covered in silvery scales. Insignificant greenish-yellow flowers in early spring are followed, on female plants, by bright red berries

Other common names
beef suet tree
buffalo berry
see morerabbit berry
silver buffaloberry
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
2.5–4 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Grey Silver
Summer Grey Silver Red
Autumn Grey Silver Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Elaeagnaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Shepherdia are evergreen or deciduous shrubs or small trees, with oval or oblong leaves. Small flowers appear in spring before the leaves, male and female on separate plants, followed by colourful berries on female plants

Name status

Correct

Plant range
N & W North America

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun. Tolerates poor, dry soils and exposed coastal conditions. Both male and female plants must be grown together for fruit

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by greenwood cuttings in early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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