Juniperus sabina 'Buffalo'

Buffalo Juniper

Juniperus sabina ‘Buffalo’ — commonly called Buffalo savin juniper — is a low-growing evergreen shrub valued for its dense, spreading habit and soft gray-green to blue-green foliage that may develop bronze tones in winter. Its trailing, layered branches form a broad ground-hugging mat, making it especially useful for slopes, erosion control, and large-scale groundcover plantings.

Type: Evergreen shrub

Mature Size:
Width: 6–10 ft
Height: 2–3 ft

USDA Zones: 3a–7b

Form: Low, spreading, layered

Light: Full sun

Soil: Well-drained soil; thrives in sandy, rocky, and poor soils

Water: Low; highly drought tolerant once established

Wildlife: Provides shelter for birds; deer resistant

Features & Landscape Uses: Excellent for slopes, groundcover, erosion control, and mass plantings. Its durable nature makes it well-suited for difficult sites.

Care: Plant in full sun with excellent drainage. Avoid heavy, wet soils. Minimal pruning is needed; trim lightly only if shaping is desired.

Plant type

Evergreen Shrub

Height

2-3'

Width

6-10'

Hardiness zones

3–8

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Green

Soil

Average, Sandy, Well Drained

Landscape use

Erosion control mass planting, Erosion control slopes, Foundation, Groundcover, Mass Planting

Shape

Low Spreading

Bark

Exfoliating

Fruit

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Salt tolerant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No