2026 Availability- August
Silver Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) 'Silver Totem' is a columnar, seedling selected cultivar of the native Buffaloberry that was found naturally occuring in a nursery in Colorado! The narrow, silvery leaves of 'Silver Totem' are covered in fine, white hairs that reflect light, giving the plant a soft, silvery glow in waterwise landscapes. In the spring, small, inconspicuous yellow-green flowers bloom, attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. If a nearby male plant allows for pollination, these are followed by small, bright red berries plants that ripen in late summer and persist into fall, providing food for birds and wildlife. Since all 'Silver Totem's are female, a non-columnar straight species male will need to be present nearby for berries. While the berries are tart, they can also be used to make jellies or sauces, adding an extra layer of utility to this ornamental shrub. 'Silver Totem' thrives in a variety of soil types, from dry, rocky soils to loamy conditions, and is highly tolerant of drought once established. Like the straight species, 'Silver Totem' does have rhizomatous roots that can lead to suckering, but this suckering is reduced by growing in dryer conditions and pruning suckers annually or biannually. 'Silver Totem' is an excellent choice for water-wise garden beds or borders, Mediterranean style landscapes, mixed hedges and borders, privacy screenings, and windbreaks. 
Expected 2025 Availabiity- Late April