Soapberry is a dioecious, thicket-forming shrub, widespread across most of Canada. It can be found in forest openings, understory, slopes, and riverbanks of the boreal or western elevated sites. Yellow Flowers in a round inflorescence occur from April to May followed by tart, red to yellowish berries. Often used for jams, teas or dried; they're edible/medicinal and "Soapy" when crushed. Loose, open branches bear elliptic leaves, opposite in arrangement, and turning red in the fall. Soapberry is hardy and tolerates a variety of light and soil conditions.
Botanical Name: Shepherdia canadensis Other Names: Soopolallie, Buffaloberry, Russet Buffaloberry, foamberry Family: ElaeagnaceaeNative to: Eastern North America, Interior North America, Western North America Eco benefits: attracts birds, medicinal, edible fruit Natural habitat: understory, waters edge, inner forests, hillsides & uplands, rocky slopes, forest edge Shapes: clump, upright Height: 3-13ft Unique attractions: fall colour, fruit Tolerances: salt Common uses: naturalized plantings, shade garden Light: full sun, partial shade, full shade Soil: moist and fertile, well drained, drought tolerant, dry
