Elaeagnus commutata aka Silverberry

Elaeagnus commutata is a deciduous shrub known as silverberry. It belongs to the Elaeagnaceae family. Its native range spans northern North America, from Yukon to Québec and south to Utah. It grows on dry slopes with lime-rich soil. In gardens, it reaches 8–13 feet (2.5–4 metres) tall. Its spread reaches 5–8 feet (1.5–2.5 metres). Some plants reach 15 feet (4.6 metres), according to Virginia Tech. Plants take about five to ten years to reach full size.

The shrub grows upright and can form a rounded crown. Root suckers spread out and form dense stands. Slender brown shoots bear rough, reddish-brown scales. The bark shines reddish gray and has many small pores. These develop into larger cracks as stems age. Leaves grow alternately along the stems and have smooth edges. Their oval blades carry silver scales on both sides. Leaves reach about 0.25 feet (0.08 metres) long. Their thick texture and bright sheen help define the shrub.

Small, scented flowers open in late spring. They range from yellow to yellowish white. Each tubular flower has four lobes at its mouth. Fruits ripen in early autumn and can grow in abundance. Virginia Tech describes them as shiny silver, while RHS describes red fruit with a mealy surface. Each fruit holds one large seed. The flesh is edible but dry and floury. Fully ripe fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. Underripe fruit tastes astringent. Fruit also goes into soup and jelly. Seeds are edible, though their cases are fibrous.

Grow silverberry in full sun and soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, clay, and a broad pH range. It tolerates drought and salt-laden coastal winds. Shallow chalk soils can cause chlorosis, which yellows the leaves. RHS rates its hardiness H5; PFAF lists USDA zones 2–6. It suits coastal gardens, wildlife gardens, hedges, and screens. Its open growth gives limited shelter from wind. The roots fix nitrogen and help enrich the soil.

Remove unwanted suckers in autumn to limit its spread. Propagation uses rooted suckers or semi-hardwood cuttings. Most plants have few pest problems, though elaeagnus sucker may occur. Honey fungus, coral spot, and fungal leaf spot are possible diseases. Bark fibres have served for rope, cloth, and weaving. Dried fruits have served as beads, and berries as soap. PFAF lists no known hazards, but describes a poisonous traditional root mixture. Edible fruit does not establish that all plant parts are safe.