Silver Buffaloberry

Growing

Establishing silver buffaloberry requires controlling competition around its base, as invasive weeds and grasses can overwhelm young plants. For a wildlife habitat with a denser thicket, allow the plant's natural suckering habit to spread. In a structured shelterbelt or landscape feature, use shallow cultivation to manage the shoots, as underground suckers can become a problem in a controlled garden setting.

Because this is a woody perennial, establish it from nursery stock or seed. Once established, the plant is hardy, but it does best when competing vegetation is kept in check during its early years. Browsing by animals can reduce the number of suckers, but it may also reduce the vigor of the shrub. Keep the soil well-drained and avoid letting the root zone become waterlogged, which can hinder the development of this thorny shrub.