Shepherdia argentea
Buffalo-berry
(c) Tim Messick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Tim Messick · licence
Family: Elaeagnaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Native
Shepherdia argentea (Buffalo-berry) is a native California shrub / tree in the Elaeagnaceae family, recognized by size, leaf color, and broader distribution.
Buffalo-berry is a native shrub found in eastern Klamath Ranges, Sierra Nevada Highlands, southern Coast Ranges, western Transverse Ranges, San Bernardino Mountains, Modoc Plateau, and northern Sierra Nevada East in stream and river bottom habitats at elevations of 650 to 2,100 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces white flowers on its much-branched stems. Growing 2 to 7 meters tall with extensive branching, the shrub forms a dense, spreading structure. Its leaves are distinctive, measuring 1.3 to 6 centimeters long and 1 to 2 centimeters wide, with an oblong or elliptical shape and a striking silver-green surface. The shrub produces small ellipsoidal red fruits 5 to 7 millimeters long, adding visual interest to its landscape.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; distinguished by size, leaf color, and broader distribution
Habitat and range
Habitat: Along streams, river bottoms, slopes
Elevation: 650-2100 m
California counties: Ventura, Mono, Inyo, Santa Barbara, Kern, Alpine, Modoc, Lassen, San Luis Obispo, Mariposa
Outside California: to Canada, central United States
Bloom period
Shepherdia argentea blooms Apr-May.
How to tell it apart
vs Prunus: Shepherdia has silvery-scaly foliage; Prunus has smooth green leaves.; vs Elaeagnus: Shepherdia leaves are opposite; Elaeagnus leaves are alternate.; vs Acer: Shepherdia has simple leaves with silvery scales; Acer has palmately lobed leaves.; vs Fraxinus: Shepherdia has simple opposite leaves; Fraxinus has pinnately compound leaves.; vs Empetrum: Shepherdia has silvery-scaly leaves; Empetrum has needle-like evergreen leaves.
Frequently asked questions
Is Shepherdia argentea native to California?
Yes. Shepherdia argentea is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Shepherdia argentea bloom?
Shepherdia argentea blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Shepherdia argentea grow?
Shepherdia argentea occurs in Ventura, Mono, Inyo, Santa Barbara, Kern, Alpine, Modoc, Lassen and other counties, at elevations of 650-2100 m.
What plant family does Shepherdia argentea belong to?
Shepherdia argentea is in the Elaeagnaceae family, genus Shepherdia.
What habitat does Shepherdia argentea grow in?
Shepherdia argentea grows in Along streams, river bottoms, slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.