Roundleaf buffaloberry
Shepherdia rotundifolia
Roundleaf buffaloberry (Shepherdia rotundifolia) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. A silver-leaved evergreen shrub native to the Colorado Plateau on the Western Slope, grown for year-round silvery foliage and extreme drought tolerance. Wants full sun and sharp drainage and resents rich, wet soil. Seen at Denver Botanic Gardens.
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 5–8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~5 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Slow
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Evergreen
What it will do to your yard
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- Yes
Common problems on the Front Range
- Root rot in wet or poorly drained soil
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Needs full sun and sharp drainage; water sparingly and never let it sit wet. Slow to establish, then extremely drought tough.
- Pruning: light.
- Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Roundleaf buffaloberry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Roundleaf buffaloberry is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Roundleaf buffaloberry get?
- It matures to about 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Roundleaf buffaloberry?
- Space Roundleaf buffaloberry about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Roundleaf buffaloberry hardy on the Front Range?
- Roundleaf buffaloberry is hardy in USDA 5–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is at its cold edge here. Site it in a warm microclimate and protect young plants.
- How much water does Roundleaf buffaloberry need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Roundleaf buffaloberry grow?
- Roundleaf buffaloberry is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Roundleaf buffaloberry safe for dogs?
- Roundleaf buffaloberry is not known to be toxic to dogs, but confirm with your vet for a specific animal.
- Is Roundleaf buffaloberry deer-resistant?
- Roundleaf buffaloberry is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Roundleaf buffaloberry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Roundleaf buffaloberry can be affected by root rot in wet or poorly drained soil. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
- Is Roundleaf buffaloberry a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. Roundleaf buffaloberry works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
