Shepherdia argentea

Buffaloberry(Shepherdia argetea) ia a thorny deciduous shrub that is dioecious. Silver buffalo berry has silvery leaves, white stems, and as it gets older, red berries in a wall of thorns. It is native along streams, east of Sierra, Cuyama Valley, Mt. Pinos area. It likes full sun, moderate water, tolerant of cold, wind, alkaline soil, and standing water. It has edible berries that the birds will get. We saw it growing along the banks and marshes around Mono lake. It was 15-20' tall and forming a small stand of trees. Above Bishop it was a little smaller. Shepherdia should be used in wetlands, seasonal streams in the Desert or Rocky Mountains. Frankia bacteria live in association with Shepherdia (on roots) and are nitrogen fixing. If planted in a seasonally flooded spot in a thicket it is an ideal wildlife plant, and a significant nitrogen source for the habitat.