Buffaloberry

Shepherdia argentea

Illustration: Buffaloberry (Shepherdia argentea) silvery leaves and red drupes

Identification: Thorny shrub with distinctive SILVERY-scaly leaves (both sides); clusters of small red drupes in late summer. Often grows with chokecherry.

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike with silvery scaly leaves + red drupes + thorns.

Edible parts: Ripe berries.

Season and habitat: Late summer. Prairie riverbanks, coulees.

Preparation: Tart fresh — traditionally whipped with sugar into 'Indian ice cream.' Good jelly berry.