Silverberry Elaeagnus commutata
ABOUT
The plant known as silverberry is a deciduous shrub that exhibits a range of distinctive features. Its leaves have a lanceolate to oblong shape, characterized by their silvery-green hue with a shimmering, silvery underside due to small scales. These leaves are arranged alternately along the stems, adding to the plant's dense foliage. Silverberry produces small, bell-shaped flowers that are often not immediately noticeable because of their inconspicuous size. These flowers have a creamy white to yellowish color and can exude a delightful fragrance when in bloom, which adds an olfactory charm to the plant's visual appeal. After flowering, silverberry bears fruit. The fruits are small, rounded, and covered with silver scales, giving them a speckled appearance. They gradually mature to a fleshy, edible berry that is deep red or yellowish in color. These berries are often attractive to wildlife, including birds, which helps in the dispersal of the seeds. The bark of the silverberry plant adds another layer of interest with its scaly texture. The younger branches can show a silver to reddish-brown color, while older stems turn to a more muted gray-brown. The intertwining and sprawling habit of the branches can give the shrub a wild and rambling appearance, making it stand out in naturalistic plantings.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Silverberry, Wolf Willow, American Silverberry, Wild Olive, Western Oleaster, River Olive, Silver Bush
Common names
Elaeagnus argentea Pursh, Elaeagnus canadensis Rydb., Elaeagnus commutata var. antiatlantica Fernald, Elaeagnus commutata var. oblongifolia (Rydb.) A. Nelson, Elaeagnus commutata var. stocksii (Boiss.) Servett., Elaeagnus laevigata Eastw., Elaeagnus oblongifolia Rydb., Elaeagnus occidentalis Larisey, Elaeagnus stocksii Boiss.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the silverberry is not known to be toxic to humans. In fact, its fruit is edible and sometimes used in jams and jellies. However, consumption of any plant material may cause a reaction in sensitive individuals, and it is always prudent to avoid ingesting parts of any plant without proper knowledge and identification. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from ingesting parts of the silverberry plant.
To pets
Silverberry is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to pets. The fruit produced by this plant is considered edible for animals as well. However, as with humans, individual animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions to plant materials. If your pet were to ingest a large quantity of the plant, especially parts not typically consumed like leaves or stems, they might experience gastrointestinal upset as they would with any non-food item. No specific toxicity symptoms are commonly associated with silverberry ingestion in pets.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
2
Native area
North America
Benefits
General Benefits- Erosion control: The plant's extensive root system helps to stabilize soil and control erosion.
- Wildlife habitat: Provides shelter and food for wildlife such as birds and beneficial insects.
- Aesthetic appeal: Offers ornamental value with its silver foliage and yellow flowers.
- Drought tolerance: Can survive in dry conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Windbreak: Often used in windbreak plantings to reduce wind erosion and protect more sensitive plants.
- Soil improvement: Fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for neighboring plants.
- Adaptability: Tolerant to a variety of soil types and pH levels, making it versatile for different landscapes.
- Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, with little need for water, fertilizer, or pruning.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Erosion Control: Elaeagnus commutata, commonly known as silverberry, is used for stabilizing soil and preventing erosion due to its ability to establish a deep and extensive root system.
- Wildlife Habitat: Silverberry provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife, offering protection with its dense foliage and thorny branches.
- Windbreaks: Its robust growth pattern and resistance to harsh conditions make silverberry an ideal plant for creating windbreaks in rural and exposed areas.
- Aesthetic Landscaping: With its silvery foliage and attractive yellow flowers, silverberry is used in ornamental gardening to add visual interest to the landscape.
- Privacy Screening: Homeowners often plant silverberry as a natural screen to provide privacy from neighbors due to its dense growth habit.
- Reclamation Projects: Used in reclamation, silverberry can help restore disturbed lands such as abandoned mines or construction sites.
- Hedge Planting: Gardeners utilize silverberry for hedge planting; it can be pruned and shaped to form a living fence.
- Landscaping in Coastal Areas: Due to its tolerance for salty conditions, silverberry is often planted in coastal regions to combat soil salinity and coastal erosion.
- Agroforestry Systems: Silverberry is integrated into agricultural lands as part of agroforestry practices to provide benefits such as enhancing biodiversity and protecting crops from wind damage.
- Shade for Understory Plants: Because of its dense canopy, silverberry is planted to provide shade for more sensitive understory plants that require protection from direct sunlight.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Silverberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Silverberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Elaeagnus commutata, commonly known as the Silverberry, is able to grow in tough conditions, which can symbolize the ability to persevere through challenges.
- Adaptability: Silverberry plants can thrive in a range of environments, signifying flexibility and the capability to adjust to different circumstances.
- Nourishment and Sustenance: The berries of the Silverberry plant are edible and provide food for wildlife, representing the concept of providing for oneself or others.
- Protection: With its dense thorny thickets, the Silverberry can signify a natural barrier or protection against negative forces.
WaterThe Silverberry, or Elaeagnus commutata, prefers consistent moisture but well-drained soil. During the growing season, water the plant deeply once a week with about 1-2 gallons, depending on the size of the plant and the weather conditions. If rainfall is sufficient, reduce supplemental watering. During the winter months, watering can be reduced as the plant's water requirements decrease. Always check the top inch of the soil for dryness before watering, as overwatering can lead to root rot.
LightSilverberry plants thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They are adaptable and can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions, but they will produce more flowers and fruit if they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The ideal spot for a Silverberry is in a location where it gets plenty of morning sunlight with some afternoon shade, especially in areas with particularly hot summers.
TemperatureSilverberry is hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures but thrives best in conditions between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive temperatures as low as minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are well-suited for colder climates and can handle frost without damage, making them ideal for northern gardeners.
PruningPrune Silverberry plants in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to maintain their shape and encourage healthy, bushy growth. Pruning can also be done to remove dead or damaged branches, to rejuvenate an older plant, or to control its size. It's typically recommended to prune no more than one-third of the plant at a time to prevent stress. Additionally, occasional thinning may be necessary to ensure good air circulation, which is essential for the plant’s health.
CleaningAs needed
SoilSilverberry thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The ideal soil mix can be created using a combination of loam, sand, and compost to ensure proper drainage and fertility. Amending with organic matter helps to provide a nutritious growing medium for optimal plant health.
RepottingSilverberry plants do not require frequent repotting and can typically remain in the same pot for several years. Repotting is usually necessary when the plant has outgrown its current container or when the soil has become compacted and depleted, approximately every 3 to 5 years.
Humidity & MistingSilverberry plants are adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity levels. They do well in average room humidity and do not require special measures to maintain a specific humidity level, making them suitable for typical home and garden environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Silverberry in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Silverberry in full sun to partial shade outside.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleElaeagnus commutata, commonly known as Silverberry or Wolf Willow, begins its life cycle as a seed, which, after dispersal, often by animals or wind, can remain dormant until conditions are suitable for germination. Germination initiates upon warmth and moisture, leading to the emergence of a radicle that develops into a root system and a shoot that grows towards the light. In its seedling stage, Silverberry develops true leaves and begins photosynthesis, gradually forming a woody stem as it enters the juvenile phase. As it matures into an adult plant, Elaeagnus commutata produces flowers, typically from late spring to early summer, which are then pollinated by insects and occasionally wind. Successful pollination results in the formation of small, fleshy fruits containing seeds, which are later dispersed to continue the reproductive cycle. Throughout its lifetime, Silverberry can also spread vegetatively through root suckers, contributing to the growth of thickets.
PropogationPropogation time
Early Spring
The most popular method of propagating Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata) is through seeds. The best time for seed propagation is in late winter or early spring. Seeds require a period of cold stratification, where they are kept cold and moist for 60-90 days to break dormancy, mimicking winter conditions. This can be done by mixing the seeds with moist sand and storing them in the refrigerator at a temperature of 33-41°F (0.5-5°C). After stratification, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix, lightly covered by soil, and kept at room temperature. Germination can take several weeks, and it's essential to keep the soil consistently moist during this period. Once seedlings have established, they can be transplanted to their desired location in the garden.
