Many question the edibility of wild fruits. Buffalo berries (Shepherdia genus) are generally not considered poisonous to humans when ripe and consumed in moderation. This article covers their characteristics, edibility, and how to differentiate them from harmful plants.
Understanding Buffalo Berries
Buffalo berries are deciduous shrubs native to North America, found across the United States and Canada. Three main species exist: silver buffalo berry (Shepherdia argentea), Canada buffalo berry (Shepherdia canadensis), and roundleaf buffalo berry (Shepherdia rotundifolia). They grow 2 to 20 feet tall, with some silver buffalo berry varieties becoming tree-like.
Shrubs have small, often oblong leaves and inconspicuous yellow spring flowers. Silver buffalo berry (Shepherdia argentea) often has silvery-gray foliage and thorny branches. Canada buffalo berry (Shepherdia canadensis) features green leaves with rusty-brown dots on their undersides and usually lacks thorns. Berries are small, round to oval, scarlet-red, orange, or yellow, maturing in late summer or fall.
Toxicity and Safe Consumption
Ripe buffalo berries are edible for humans and generally safe for animals, though moderation is important. Toxicity concerns stem from saponins, natural compounds that cause a frothy texture when agitated. While saponins can be toxic in large quantities, their concentration in buffalo berries is low and poorly absorbed by the human body. Cooking further breaks down these compounds.
Consuming excessive amounts, especially Canada buffalo berries, can lead to digestive upset like diarrhea, due to their tartness and saponin content. Historically, Native American tribes extensively used buffalo berries, often preparing “Indian ice cream” by whipping them with water and sweetening. They are also used in jellies, jams, sauces, and other cooked preparations, where their tart flavor adds a unique element. For pets, small quantities are generally safe, but caution is advised due to saponins and potential choking hazards from seeds; dog-safe fruits are often suggested as alternatives.
Distinguishing from Potentially Harmful Berries
Accurate identification of buffalo berries is crucial to avoid consuming harmful look-alikes. Unlike some toxic berries, buffalo berries typically grow on shrubs with opposite leaf arrangements. Silver buffalo berry (Shepherdia argentea) often has thorns and a distinctive silvery appearance on its leaves and stems.
Many toxic red berries, such as nightshade species, often have alternate leaf arrangements, different growth habits, or lack the characteristic silvery or rusty scales found on buffalo berry leaves. For instance, buffalo bur (Solanum rostratum), a type of nightshade, has highly toxic berries and leaves, and its stems are covered in sharp thorns, differing significantly in overall plant structure and berry appearance from true buffalo berries. Always confirm identification through multiple features like leaf arrangement, stem characteristics, and berry appearance before consuming any wild berry.