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Shepherdia rotundifolia - Parry

Common Name Roundleaf Buffaloberry
Family Elaeagnaceae
USDA hardiness 5-8
Known Hazards While edible, consumption should be moderate, as large quantities may cause digestive discomfort for some people due to their bitterness and potential presence of saponins, a natural compound found in many plants.
Habitats Arid and semi-arid regions with low annual rainfall of the Colorado Plateau in the southwestern United States. Typically grows at 4,000 to 8,000 feet (1,200 to 2,400 meters) above sea level. Found on rocky slopes, canyon walls, and desert plateaus. Often grows in areas with exposed bedrock or thin soil layers.
Range Southwestern United States, particularly southern Utah and northern Arizona. It has been introduced to regions with arid climates, including parts of Australia.
Edibility Rating    (3 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Full sun
Shepherdia rotundifolia Roundleaf Buffaloberry


Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.
Shepherdia rotundifolia Roundleaf Buffaloberry
Kenraiz. Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.

 

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Summary

Shepherdia species are well-suited to poor soils and dry environments due to their drought tolerance and nitrogen-fixing abilities, which help improve soil fertility. Buffalo Berries are valuable as windbreaks, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. Roundleaf Buffaloberry (S. rotundifolia) is native to the dry, semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States. It tolerates extreme drought and poor soils. The large reddish-orange berries are edible and lack the soapy flavour of other species. The plant is primarily used for erosion control and stabilising soils in dry, rocky areas.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Shepherdia rotundifolia is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6 and is not frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Flies, Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.
It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Elaeagnus rotundifolia (Parry) A.Nelson

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

Berries are edible, though they are not widely consumed due to their taste and texture. The berries are small and red and can be eaten raw or processed. They have a bitter and astringent taste when raw, which may make them less appealing as a fresh snack. Like other species in the Shepherdia genus, the berries are rich in vitamin C and have been used traditionally for food or medicinal purposes by indigenous peoples. While edible, consumption should be moderate, as large quantities may cause digestive discomfort for some people due to their bitterness and the potential presence of saponins, a natural compound found in many plants. If you’re foraging or growing the plant for edible purposes, the berries are best used in combination with other ingredients to mask their bitterness, such as in jams, syrups, or fermented beverages. Fruit Description: Reddish-orange when ripe, silvery-green and camouflaged before maturity. Fruits are large (grape-sized), with half their volume as juicy pulp and the other half as a hard stone. The skins are weakly attached and covered in silvery hairs that irritate when eaten. Taste and Edibility: Sweet, tart, and slightly bitter, similar to citrus rinds, without the soapy flavour of related species. However, the hairs on the fruit skins can cause throat discomfort (itching, burning, or swelling) if eaten in large amounts. Processing Tip: Mashing the fruits in water and filtering removes the irritating hairs. Peeling or other cooking methods don’t remove the hair and are impractical. Harvest and Abundance: Fruits mature in summer to autumn, depending on rainfall. While abundant in good years, fruit production is unreliable, even after heavy flowering. Ecology and Use: A dominant shrub in southern Utah, it is an inconsistent and low-quality wild food. Despite its abundance in some years, it is not a dependable resource [2-3].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


The berries are believed to have antioxidant properties and have been used in traditional medicine for various ailments.

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Ideal for erosion control, as a hedge or windbreak, and in native plant gardens. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Buffaloberry flowers are typically small and wind-pollinated, providing little nectar or pollen for pollinators. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): The berries are an important food source for birds and mammals. The dense, thorny shrubs also provide excellent shelter for wildlife, and the branches can be used for nesting by birds. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): The dense shrubs and rough bark offer insect overwintering sites. Leaf litter can also provide cover for ground-dwelling invertebrates. Pest Confuser (Smell): Buffaloberry plants do not have a strong odour that would act as a pest deterrent.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Soil Texture: Thrives in light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils. It is well-adapted to rocky or gravelly soils, typical of its native arid habitats. Soil Moisture: Prefers dry soils and is highly drought-tolerant once established. It does not tolerate waterlogged or consistently wet conditions. Drainage: Requires excellent drainage, as it is adapted to arid and semi-arid conditions where water retention is low. Soil pH: Tolerates a wide range of pH levels, from slightly acidic to alkaline soils, and grows well in calcareous soils. Saline Tolerance: Moderately tolerant of saline soils, making it suitable for some arid and semi-arid regions with salinity issues. Tolerance of Poor Soil: It thrives in poor, nutrient-deficient soils, particularly in desert environments, due to its nitrogen-fixing ability. Light Requirements: Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit production. It does not perform well in shaded conditions. Height: Typically grows to about 1–2 meters (3–6 feet) tall, forming a dense, rounded shrub. Pollination: bees, flies, and wind. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers occur on separate plants, so both sexes are needed for fruit production. Temperature: In USDA zones 5–8, it tolerates extreme heat and cold, thriving in arid and semi-arid climates. Drought Tolerance: Extremely drought-tolerant once established, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping. Flowering and Fruiting: Produces small, yellowish flowers in early spring, followed by edible red to orange berries on female plants in late summer, provided a male plant is nearby for pollination. Wildlife: The berries attract birds and mammals, while the dense foliage provides shelter for small animals. Pests and Diseases: Generally pest- and disease-free. Overwatering can lead to root rot or fungal issues. Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, but shaping can be done to maintain a compact form or control its spread. The native range of this species is from Utah to Arizona. It is a shrub and grows primarily in the temperate biome [2-5].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seeds or cuttings. Seeds benefit from stratification (cold treatment) for better germination.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Roundleaf buffaloberry or Silverleaf.

Native Range

Native to: Arizona, Utah.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Shepherdia rotundifolia (roundleaf buffaloberry) is not generally considered a weedy or invasive plant. Its growth habits and ecological characteristics make it unlikely to become a problematic weed under normal conditions. Characteristics That Limit Weediness: 1. Slow Growth: Shepherdia rotundifolia grows relatively slowly and does not exhibit aggressive spreading behaviour. 2. Specific Habitat Requirements: It is highly adapted to the arid and rocky conditions of its native habitat (Colorado Plateau). This limits its ability to thrive in a wide range of environments. Reproductive Traits: While it produces berries with seeds, its natural dispersal is not aggressive or invasive. Its establishment often requires specific conditions, such as well-drained soils and full sun. Competitive Nature: It does not typically outcompete other vegetation and is often found growing alongside other native plants in its natural ecosystem.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : Not Available

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Shepherdia argenteaBuffalo Berry, Silver Buffaloberry,Shrub4.0 3-9 MLMHSNDM314
Shepherdia canadensisBuffalo Berry, Russet buffaloberry, Canada BuffaloberryShrub2.5 2-6 MLMHSNDM323

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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