Buffaloberry for birds in Idaho
Tart red fruit that persists into winter. Native to Idaho, where it feeds or shelters 27 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Shepherdia argentea
- Native status
- Native in Idaho
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3b–7b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- Idaho birds supported
- 27
- Nesting birds among them
- 26
Growing conditions in Idaho
Semi-arid sagebrush plains along the Snake River and forested mountains to the north and center.
Hot, dry summers in the Snake River Plain and cool mountain summers.
Idaho birds that use Buffaloberry
Year-round residents (10)
House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling, Canada Jay, Juniper Titmouse, Spotted Towhee, Band-tailed Pigeon
Summer breeders (16)
Gray Catbird, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Eastern Kingbird, Western Bluebird, Mountain Bluebird, Fox Sparrow, Varied Thrush, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Hermit Thrush, Pine Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Ash-throated Flycatcher
Winter visitors (1)
Cold winters with inversions in the valleys; mountain finches and Bohemian Waxwings move into towns.
Nesting season it supports in Idaho
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Buffaloberry:
- House Finch — April–August
- American Robin — April–July
- Northern Flicker — April–June
- Pileated Woodpecker — April–June
- Gray Catbird — May–July
- Cedar Waxwing — June–August
- Yellow-rumped Warbler — May–July
- Eastern Kingbird — May–July
- European Starling — April–June
- Canada Jay — March–April
Native plants to pair with Buffaloberry in Idaho
Red fruit persists until late winter when other food is gone.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Frequently asked
Is Buffaloberry native to Idaho?
Yes. Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is recorded as native in Idaho. Idaho spans USDA 3b–7b.
What birds does Buffaloberry attract in Idaho?
In Idaho, Buffaloberry supports 27 backyard birds, including House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Pileated Woodpecker, Gray Catbird, Cedar Waxwing.
Does Buffaloberry help nesting birds in Idaho?
26 of those birds nest in Idaho: House Finch (April–August), American Robin (April–July), Northern Flicker (April–June), Pileated Woodpecker (April–June).
Which winter birds use Buffaloberry in Idaho?
Winter visitors Bohemian Waxwing use it in Idaho during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — Idaho
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.