Shepherdia spp.
Overview
Shepherdia spp. is a genus of three deciduous shrubs in the oleaster family, native to North America. Plants range from the low, thornless S. canadensis at 3-6 feet (0.9-1.8 m) to the thorny S. argentea, which reaches 6-18 feet (1.8-5.5 m) tall and nearly as wide. Young stems and the undersides of leaves are coated in silvery to rusty scales. Leaves are opposite, oval to oblong, 0.75-2.5 inches (2-6 cm) long, green above and silvery-scaly beneath. Plants are dioecious, carrying male and female flowers on separate shrubs; small yellowish flowers open before or with the leaves in early spring. Female plants bear clusters of red to orange-red, occasionally yellow, berry-like fruits 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across in summer. The fruit is tart and contains saponins. Roots host nitrogen-fixing actinobacteria, supporting growth on poor soils. Because plants are dioecious, both a male and a female shrub are needed for fruit set. The fruit of S. canadensis is bitter and can cause stomach upset if eaten in quantity.
Native Range
Shepherdia spp. species are native to North America. S. argentea and S. canadensis range across much of Canada and the northern and western United States, while S. rotundifolia is restricted to the Colorado Plateau. They grow on stream banks, prairies, dry slopes, and rocky or sandy soils from lowlands to montane elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in windbreaks, wildlife plantings, and restoration of dry or disturbed land, spaced 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 m) apart, and used for erosion control on poor soils. The thorns and suckering habit of S. argentea make it hard to manage in small gardens. Fruit of S. argentea is cooked into jellies, while S. canadensis fruit is bitter.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 18'
Width/Spread4' - 12'
Reaches mature size in approximately 5 years
Bloom Information
Small yellowish flowers open in early spring, March to May, before or as the leaves expand. Male and female flowers occur on separate plants and last about two to three weeks. Fruit on female plants ripens from mid to late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
green above, silvery beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight