Buffaloberry (2)

Canada Buffaloberry
Shepherdia canadensis

Family: Oleaster (Elaeagnaceae)
AKA: Russet Buffaloberry
Photo taken on: June 6, 2007
Location: Taylor Canyon, GV, CO
Life Zones: Foothills to subalpine
Habitat: Open forests, rocky slopes

A shrub growing 2 to 4 feet with leathery leaves. Flowers are tiny and yellowish. Berries are edible but bitter.

Silver Buffaloberry
Shepherdia argentea

Family: Oleaster (Elaeagnaceae)
AKA: Bull Berry, Thorny Buffaloberry
Photo taken on: August 9, 2012
Location: Chama River, NM
Life Zones: Foothills to montane
Habitat: Moist areas, stream sides

A shrub growing to 15 feet tall in thickets with thorny stems. The silvery leaves can be mistaken for Russian Olive but grow in opposite pairs while the leaves of the Russian Olive are alternate. The tiny yellow flowers cluster on the stems. The fruit is a red or gold berry that is edible but tart.