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Canadian buffalo-berry

Shepherdia canadensis

The Canadian buffalo-berry is a small shrub that grows berries loved by birds and other animals. Its bright red berries are not only pretty but also tasty for some creatures!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Canadian buffalo-berry is a medium-sized shrub with distinctive oval leaves that are dull green above and silvery-scaly underneath. Its tiny, yellowish-brown flowers give way to bright red or orange-red berries, often speckled, that cling to the branches.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyElaeagnaceaeGenusShepherdia
Canadian buffalo-berry
deciduous trait badgeshrub trait badgefruit_bearing trait badgecolorful trait badge
Canadian buffalo-berry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

11

Interesting facts

Its tiny flowers are so small, you might need a magnifying glass to see them clearly!

Native peoples traditionally mixed the berries with fat and sugar to make a special 'Indian ice cream.'

This tough plant can grow high up on mountains and even in parts of the chilly Arctic!

When you crush its berries, they create a frothy pink foam, like a bubbly dessert!

Special abilities

Ability

Nutrient Booster

Canadian buffalo-berry can team up with tiny soil helpers to create its own food, allowing it to thrive in poor soils.

Ability

Tough Survivor

Canadian buffalo-berry has deep roots that help it find water in dry places and can withstand very cold winters.

Ability

Foamy Shield

Canadian buffalo-berry berries contain natural compounds that make them taste bitter and foamy, deterring some hungry animals.

Measurements & details

Height
100-400 cm
Spread
100-300 cm
Flower Size
0.2-0.5 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Do not eat berries unless an adult says they are safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Canadian buffalo-berry?

The easiest way to identify Canadian buffalo-berry is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How tall is Canadian buffalo-berry?

100-400 cm

How wide does Canadian buffalo-berry spread?

100-300 cm

How big are the flowers on Canadian buffalo-berry?

0.2-0.5 cm

When does Canadian buffalo-berry bloom?

Spring

Is Canadian buffalo-berry edible?

Yes

Is Canadian buffalo-berry toxic?

None

What is Canadian buffalo-berry's lifecycle?

Perennial

Snap Map

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