Quick answer: Silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is native to 17 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seeds, verified 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: SriMesh, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Full sun |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium, Dry, high drought tolerance |
| Soil | Rocky, sandy or clayey, high alkaline/calcium tolerance |
| Bloom | Apr-May |
| Height | Up to 20 ft |
| Wildlife value | Special value to native bees |
Has thorns/prickles -- physical hazard
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seeds via Amazon · listing verified 16 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Silver buffaloberry
Where is Silver buffaloberry native?
Silver buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is native to 17 states across the Midwest and West. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Silver buffaloberry bloom?
Silver buffaloberry blooms Apr-May. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Silver buffaloberry need?
Light: Full sun. Water: Medium, Dry, high drought tolerance. Soil: Rocky, sandy or clayey, high alkaline/calcium tolerance. Mature height: Up to 20 ft.
Is Silver buffaloberry good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Special value to native bees.
Is Silver buffaloberry deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Silver buffaloberry is drought-tolerant.
Is Silver buffaloberry toxic?
Has thorns/prickles -- physical hazard.
Where can I buy real Silver buffaloberry seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seeds that names the true species, last checked 16 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Shepherdia argentea on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Silver buffaloberry.
- Blue grama Bouteloua gracilis
- Lewis flax (blue flax) Linum lewisii
- Rubber rabbitbrush Ericameria nauseosa
- Showy milkweed Asclepias speciosa
- Rocky Mountain bee plant Peritoma serrulata
- Quaking aspen Populus tremuloides
Also listed under
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