Species Silverberry (Wolf Willow)

Silverberry (Wolf Willow)

Elaeagnus commutata

Also Known As - wolf willow
Silverberry (Wolf Willow) (Elaeagnus commutata) is a tall, thorny shrub native to North America. It is very hardy and can thrive in all types of climates. Its silvery-green foliage provides excellent contrast to darker, more traditional plants, and can be used as a screen or hedge. The fragrant, white summer flowers attract both butterflies and bees, resulting in a large, edible fruit. These silver-colored berries are a popular food source among wildlife and have numerous health benefits when eaten by humans. Its fast growth rate and dense root system help it withstand strong winds and erosion, making it an ideal choice for erosion control. Silverberry is a must-have for any garden!

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Minimum

Propagation:

Cutting,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Seed Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

2

Flowers:

Yellow Flowers In Summer

Sun:

Full sun Partial sun

Soil:

Sandy,Loamy,Clay,Rocky

Fruits:

silver,red,yellow,orange Fruits In Autumn Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

silver,green

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Thorny:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) (Elaeagnus commutata) should be watered weekly during the growing season (spring to late-summer). Water deeply until the soil is saturated. During the winter months, water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. Make sure to water early in the day, so that the foliage of the plant has time to dry off throughout the day.

sunlight

Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata), also known as wolf willow, is an easy-to-care-for plant species that thrives in full sun and well-draining soils. It prefers a minimum of 8 hours of sunlight each day. When given plenty of direct sunlight, silverbery plants produce a showy array of small white-and-yellow flowers in the spring and a bounty of edible berries in the fall. Silverberry can tolerate some shade, but may produce fewer flowers and berries in these conditions. It is best to avoid full shade when growing these plants.

pruning

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) (Elaeagnus commutata) prefers pruning in late winter or early spring. Pruning should be done when the shrub is still dormant, before new growth begins. Pruning should focus on removing old, weak, broken or dead branches, as well as any branches that cross or rub against each other. Silverberry's can be pruned to reduce their height or to promote a fuller shape. It can also be pruned to remove leggy or weak growth and to limit its width. Cut all stems back to healthy lateral branches or buds. Silverberry's don't need to be heavily pruned, but by removing excessive growth, it can help improve the plant's shape and vitality.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Elaeagnus commutata (Silverberry/Wolf Willow) is usually in late August or early September.

Starts Flowering

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

The best time to start harvesting the fruits from Elaeagnus commutata (Silverberry/Wolf Willow) is usually in late August or early September.

Hardiness Map