Uses
Toxic parts
The fruit contains low concentrations of saponins[1]. Although toxic, these substances are very poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins are found in many plants, including several that are often used for food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large quantities of food that contain saponins. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures, such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill the fish[K].
Edible uses
Notes
Fruit - raw or cooked[2][3][4][5][6][7]. It can also be dried and used like currants[8][9]. A tart but pleasant flavour even before a frost[10][11], it becomes sweeter after frosts[8][12][13]. The fruit is also used for making preserves, pies etc[11]. The fruit should be used in moderation due to the saponin content[1]. The fruit is produced singly or in clusters, it is up to 9mm long and contains a single seed[14].
Fruit
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Hedge
Earth stabiliser
Nitrogen fixer
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - it must not be allowed to dry out[18]. It is best harvested in the autumn and sown immediately in a cold frame. Stored seed requires 2 - 3 months cold stratification[18]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. If sufficient growth is made it will be possible to plant them out in the summer, otherwise grow them on in a cold frame for their first winter and plant them out in the following spring or early summer.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame sometimes work[18].
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Shepherdia argentea. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
Succeeds in an ordinary well-drained moisture retentive soil[2][8][4]. Tolerates poor dry soils[19] and maritime exposure[20]. Established plants are drought resistant[20].
A very cold-tolerant plant[14]. Plants rarely produce fruit in Britain[4]. Occasionally cultivated for its edible fruit, there are some named varieties[11]. 'Xanthocarpa' has yellow fruits[19]. The fruit is difficult to harvest because the shrub is very thorny[8]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[19]. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[19].
Dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if fruit and seed are required.Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Shepherdia argentea. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Shepherdia argentea.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Shepherdia argentea
Genus
Shepherdia
Family
Elaeagnaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Environment
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
References
- ? 1.01.11.2 Turner. N. J. and Szczawinski. A. Edible Wild Fruits and Nuts of Canada. National Museum of Natural Sciences (1978-00-00)
- ? 2.02.12.2 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? 3.03.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
- ? 4.04.14.24.34.4 Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray (1981-00-00)
- ? 5.05.1 Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
- ? 6.06.1 Yanovsky. E. Food Plants of the N. American Indians. Publication no. 237. U.S. Depf of Agriculture. ()
- ? 7.07.17.27.37.47.57.6 Moerman. D. Native American Ethnobotany Timber Press. Oregon. ISBN 0-88192-453-9 (1998-00-00)
- ? 8.08.18.28.38.4 Simmons. A. E. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles ISBN 0-7153-5531-7 (1972-00-00)
- ? 9.09.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
- ? 10.010.1 Harrington. H. D. Edible Native Plants of the Rocky Mountains. University of New Mexico Press ISBN 0-8623-0343-9 (1967-00-00)
- ? 11.011.111.211.3 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
- ? 12.012.1 Elias. T. and Dykeman. P. A Field Guide to N. American Edible Wild Plants. Van Nostrand Reinhold ISBN 0442222009 (1982-00-00)
- ? 13.013.1 Saunders. C. F. Edible and Useful Wild Plants of the United States and Canada. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-23310-3 (1976-00-00)
- ? 14.014.114.214.314.414.5 Elias. T. The Complete Trees of N. America. Field Guide and Natural History. Van Nostrand Reinhold Co. ISBN 0442238622 (1980-00-00)
- ? 15.015.1 Natural Food Institute, Wonder Crops. 1987. ()
- ? 16.016.1 Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
- ? 17.017.1 Coon. N. The Dictionary of Useful Plants. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-090-x (1975-00-00)
- ? 18.018.118.2 Dirr. M. A. and Heuser. M. W. The Reference Manual of Woody Plant Propagation. Athens Ga. Varsity Press ISBN 0942375009 (1987-00-00)
- ? 19.019.119.219.319.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? 20.020.1 Thomas. G. S. Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos. Murray ISBN 0-7195-5043-2 (1992-00-00)
- ? Fernald. M. L. Gray's Manual of Botany. American Book Co. (1950-00-00)
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