Quicksilver Oleaster Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver'
ABOUT
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver,' also known as Silverberry or Wolf Willow, is a deciduous shrub renowned for its striking foliage and overall silvery appearance. The leaves of this plant are lance-shaped, reflective, and possess a shimmering silver hue on both sides, which renders the plant with a luminous quality, especially under sunlight. During the flowering season, small yet fragrant flowers bloom on the plant. These blossoms are typically cream or pale yellow, adding a subtle contrast against the bright backdrop of the silver leaves. Once the flowering phase concludes, the plant produces tiny fruits that are often silvery or reddish-brown, providing additional visual interest to the shrub's aesthetic. The branches of Silverberry are also noteworthy for their silvery tone, contributing to the cohesive appearance of the plant. Overall, Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' is admired for its unique color palette and textural qualities that make it a compelling choice for a variety of garden landscapes.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Elaeagnaceae.
Synonyms
Quicksilver Bush, Silverberry.
Common names
Elaeagnus angustifolia 'Quicksilver'
ToxicityTo humans
The Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver', commonly known as "wolfberry," is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, individual allergies or sensitivities can exist, and consumption of plant parts is not typically recommended. If you suspect poisoning by any plant, it is best to consult a medical professional immediately.
To pets
The Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver', also known as "wolfberry," is generally not toxic to pets. Although it is not a common cause of poisoning, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions. If you notice any unusual symptoms after your pet has ingested part of this plant, you should contact a veterinarian as a precaution.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Silver
Flower color
Yellow
Height
10-12 feet (3-3.7 meters)
Spread
10-15 feet (3-4.6 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Drought Tolerance: Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver', or Quicksilver, is highly resistant to drought once established, making it an excellent choice for low-water landscapes.
- Fast Growth: Quicksilver is a rapidly-growing plant, providing quick coverage or filling in garden spaces efficiently.
- Erosion Control: With its extensive root system, Quicksilver can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.
- Wildlife Attraction: The plant produces small, fragrant flowers that attract pollinators such as bees, and its fruit is a food source for birds.
- Adaptability: Quicksilver tolerates a range of soil types, including poor soils, making it a versatile plant for various garden settings.
- Windbreak: Its dense foliage and sturdy growth habit make Quicksilver an effective windbreak, protecting gardens and homes from strong winds.
- Ornamental Interest: With its silvery foliage and graceful form, Quicksilver adds a unique visual appeal to gardens throughout the growing season.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, Quicksilver requires minimal care, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.
- Privacy Screen: Its height and density can be used to create a living privacy screen, blocking unwanted views and providing a sense of seclusion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' can be used in floral arrangements. The silvery foliage adds an interesting texture and color contrast to bouquets and displays.
- The strong, flexible branches can be used in basketry. Enthusiasts of traditional crafts can harvest the branches for weaving into baskets and other items.
- The plant serves as an excellent windbreak in coastal areas. Its ability to withstand strong winds makes it suitable for protecting more sensitive plants.
- Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' can be used as a natural dye. The leaves and bark contain tannins that can be used to dye fabrics and materials.
- This shrub can be instrumental in slope stabilization. Its root system helps to prevent soil erosion on slopes and embankments.
- Gardeners use the plant for topiary or shaped hedges. Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' can be easily pruned and shaped for structural garden design.
- As a privacy screen, Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' grows quickly to provide seclusion in garden spaces or between properties.
- The dense foliage of Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' can serve as a background plant, providing a neutral backdrop for more colorful flowering plants in garden design.
- Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' can be planted as part of a wildlife garden. It provides shelter and sometimes food for birds and insects.
- The shrub is sometimes used as rootstock for grafting other Elaeagnus species, which might have less vigorous or less hardy root systems.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver' is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver', known commonly as Silverberry, often symbolizes resilience as it is a hardy plant that can thrive in poor soils and tolerate drought.
- Versatility: Silverberry's adaptability to different environmental conditions represents versatility and the ability to prosper in various situations.
- Protection: With its dense foliage, Silverberry can serve as a hedge or natural barrier, symbolizing protection and shelter.
- Growth and Fertility: Silverberry is a fast-growing plant and produces abundant fruit, making it a symbol of fertility and vigorous growth.
- Duality: The contrast between its silvery leaves and the hidden fragrant flowers may represent duality, showing that beauty often lies beneath the surface.
WaterRussian olive 'Quicksilver' prefers dry conditions and established plants are quite drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering. Young plants should be watered deeply once a week to help them establish a strong root system. After the first growing season, it's best to water only when there is a pronounced period of drought. Typically, this may mean watering with about 1 to 2 gallons every two to four weeks during prolonged dry spells. Always allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and potential root rot.
LightRussian olive 'Quicksilver' performs best in full sun, which means it should receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it can tolerate partial shade, though its growth might not be as robust. The ideal spot for this plant is an area with unobstructed access to sunlight for the majority of the day, ensuring healthy growth and development.
TemperatureRussian olive 'Quicksilver' is hardy and can survive in a range of temperatures, comfortably withstanding winter lows down to about -20°F and summer highs well into the 90s°F. While the plant can tolerate quite a bit of temperature fluctuation, the ideal temperature range for optimal growth is between 60°F and 80°F. Extreme and prolonged temperatures outside of this range may hinder growth or cause stress to the plant.
PruningPrune Russian olive 'Quicksilver' to shape the plant, control its size, or remove any damaged or diseased branches. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. It's generally recommended to prune no more than one-third of the plant at a time to avoid stressing it. Prune as needed, typically every couple of years, to maintain the desired form and promote healthy growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Silverberry thrives in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. A soil mix containing loam, peat, and coarse sand in equal parts is ideal to promote healthy growth.
RepottingSilverberry plants tend to grow quite large and do not require frequent repotting. Repot every 3-4 years or when the plant outgrows its pot.
Humidity & MistingSilverberry is adaptable to most humidity levels and does not require a specific humidity range to flourish.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in bright, indirect light. Avoid overwatering.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade with shelter from winds.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleElaeagnus 'Quicksilver', also known as Quicksilver Oleaster, begins its life as a seed, typically requiring well-drained soil and full sun to germinate. Once sprouted, the seedling quickly establishes a root system and starts to develop silver-gray leaves on long, arching branches, entering a vigorous juvenile growth phase. Throughout its maturation, Quicksilver Oleaster reaches flowering maturity in a few years, producing small, inconspicuous but fragrant flowers that attract pollinators. Following flowering, the plant may produce small fruit, albeit infrequently, completing its reproductive cycle. This deciduous shrub continues to grow, eventually reaching up to 12 feet or more in height and width, and may require pruning to maintain shape and health. The life span of Quicksilver Oleaster can extend several decades, with the plant enduring through seasonal cycles of growth, flowering, and dormancy annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Elaeagnus 'Quicksilver', commonly known as Silverberry or Wolf Willow, can be propagated most effectively through semi-hardwood cuttings. This method typically takes place in late summer. Cut a length of stem that includes several leaves and is about 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) long. The cutting should be taken from new growth that is beginning to harden but is not yet fully mature. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, dip the cut end into rooting hormone, and then insert it into a well-draining soil mix. The cutting should be kept moist and in a warm, shaded spot until roots have developed, which can take several weeks. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly into the ground.
