Buffaloberry for birds in North Dakota
Tart red fruit that persists into winter. Native to North Dakota, where it feeds or shelters 23 backyard bird species.
- Scientific name
- Shepherdia argentea
- Native status
- Native in North Dakota
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–4b
- What birds get from it
- fruit and berries
- North Dakota birds supported
- 23
- Nesting birds among them
- 22
Growing conditions in North Dakota
Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.
Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.
North Dakota birds that use Buffaloberry
Year-round residents (6)
Northern Cardinal, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Cedar Waxwing, European Starling
Summer breeders (16)
Eastern Bluebird, Baltimore Oriole, Orchard Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Eastern Kingbird, Spotted Towhee, Mountain Bluebird, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock's Oriole, Gray Catbird, Western Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Red-eyed Vireo, Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Winter visitors (1)
Severe winters to −30°F; Snow Buntings and redpolls arrive from the Arctic.
Nesting season it supports in North Dakota
Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Buffaloberry:
- Northern Cardinal — May–August
- Eastern Bluebird — May–August
- House Finch — May–August
- American Robin — May–July
- Northern Flicker — May–June
- Baltimore Oriole — June–July
- Orchard Oriole — June
- Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
- Gray Catbird — June–July
- Brown Thrasher — May–July
Native plants to pair with Buffaloberry in North Dakota
Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Frequently asked
Is Buffaloberry native to North Dakota?
Yes. Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) is recorded as native in North Dakota. North Dakota spans USDA 3a–4b.
What birds does Buffaloberry attract in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, Buffaloberry supports 23 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Baltimore Oriole.
Does Buffaloberry help nesting birds in North Dakota?
22 of those birds nest in North Dakota: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Eastern Bluebird (May–August), House Finch (May–August), American Robin (May–July).
Which winter birds use Buffaloberry in North Dakota?
Winter visitors Bohemian Waxwing use it in North Dakota during the cold months.
Sources
- USDA PLANTS Database (native distribution)
- VASCAN (Canadian native distribution)
- eBird region overview and bar charts — North Dakota
- 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.