Shepherdia canadensis Nutt.

Unarmed deciduous shrub 1–3 m; lvs ovate to narrowly elliptic or lanceolate, the larger ones 3–7 × 1.5–4 cm, obtuse to subcordate at base, green and nearly glabrous above, densely whitish-lepidote-stellate and with scattered brownish scales beneath; fls in last year’s naked axils; staminate fls with ovate, spreading sep 1.5–3 mm; pistillate fls with sep 1–2 mm, the mouth of the hypanthium occluded by pubescence; fr red or sometimes yellow, bitter, ellipsoid, 6–9 mm; 2n=22. Various habitats, often on calcareous substrate; Nf. to Alas., s. to N.Y., n. Ind., S.D., and Ariz. Apr., May, with the lvs.

Calcareous rocks, banks and sandy shores, usually in partial shade. Shores, riverbanks, dry slopes, moist north slopes, open rocky woods, and occasionally in calcareous marshes, forming dense thickets along riparian zones and valley bottoms.

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also made into preserves. They can be dried for later use. They can be used for making foaming drinks. The berries have little taste but are eaten. They are also used for drinks. The fruit can be beaten in water until a foam is produced then adding sugar. This will not occur if oil is present. They are smoked and dried.

Can be grown by cuttings or seedlings. Seeds needs scarification.