Elaeagnus commutata aka Silverberry

Taxonomy

Elaeagnus commutata, also known as the silverberry or wolf-willow, is a shrub or small tree that is native to western and boreal North America. It can be found from southern Alaska through British Columbia to Quebec, and south to Utah and across the upper Midwestern United States to South Dakota and western Minnesota. This plant typically grows on dry to moist sandy and gravel soils in steppes, meadows or woodland edges. The leaves of the silverberry are broad lanceolate and have a silvery appearance on both sides due to dense small white scales. The fragrant flowers are yellow and have a four-lobed corolla that is 6-14 mm long. The fruits of the silverberry are ovoid drupes that are covered in silvery scales and are 9-12 mm long. The fruit pulp is floury in texture and surrounds the single seed. Both the fruit and seeds of this plant are edible either cooked or raw. In addition to its natural habitat, the silverberry is also cultivated as an ornamental plant for its silvery foliage. It is a rare houseplant that requires regular watering and does best in long-lasting, direct light. The plant prefers well-draining soil and can benefit from gentle, organic fertilizer throughout the peak growing season. The silverberry belongs to the Elaeagnus genus and is a unique addition to any collection.

Common names

Silverberry, Wolf Willow, American Silver Berry

How to care for Silverberry

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Silverberry is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Silverberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Silverberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Silverberry requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Wolf Willow is always in the right place to thrive.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Silverberry’s native range is N. America - Quebec to Alaska and south to Utah, S. Dakota and Minnesota..


More info:
Wikipedia