Shepherdia canadensis
Canadian buffalo-berry, Canadian Buffalo-Berry
(c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · licence
Family: Elaeagnaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.1
Shepherdia canadensis (Canadian buffalo-berry) is a native California shrub in the Elaeagnaceae family, recognized by rare (2B.1) with restricted range and distinctive leaf coloration.
Canadian buffalo-berry is a California native shrub found in the eastern Klamath Ranges in streambanks, slopes, and conifer forest at elevations around 1,700 meters. Flowering from April to May, this plant produces brown-scaly flowers on compact branches. Growing 2 to 4 meters tall with an upright, dense form, it develops a robust branching structure. Its leaves are oblong to triangular-ovate, 4 to 6 centimeters long, presenting a rich green color on the upper surface. The fruit develops as an ellipsoidal red berry approximately 8 to 9 millimeters long, adding visual interest to the plant's structure.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; rare (2B.1) with restricted range and distinctive leaf coloration
Habitat and range
Habitat: Streambanks, slopes, conifer forest
Elevation: 1700 m
California counties: Siskiyou
Outside California: to Alaska, eastern United States
Bloom period
Shepherdia canadensis blooms Apr-May.
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.1
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 canadensis native to California?
Yes. Shepherdia canadensis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Shepherdia canadensis bloom?
Shepherdia canadensis blooms Apr-May.
Where in California does Shepherdia canadensis grow?
Shepherdia canadensis occurs in Siskiyou, at elevations of 1700 m.
What plant family does Shepherdia canadensis belong to?
Shepherdia canadensis is in the Elaeagnaceae family, genus Shepherdia.
Is Shepherdia canadensis rare or endangered?
Shepherdia canadensis carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.1, state rank S1.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
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.