Silver Berry, Silver elaeagnus, Wolf-willow
Elaeagnus commutata

Family: Elaeagnaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It often forms suckers. It resembles Russian olive. It grows 4.5 m tall and spreads 2.4 m wide. The leaves are broader and scaly on both surfaces. They taper towards both ends. The twigs are reddish-brown. The leaves are silvery. The flowers are silver outside and yellow within. They are fragrant. The fruit are smaller. They are about the size of a small cherry. They have a hard outer coat. They are silver.

There are 45 Elaeagnus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally on poor prairie soils in North America. It suits hardiness zones 7-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Alaska, Australia, Canada, North America, Slovenia, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw or cooked. They can be used in soup or for jelly. They can be fried in fat.

It is a famine food.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

It can be grown by seeds. Seeds do not grow easily. It spreads by root sprouts. It usually forms clumps. It can be grown from hardwood cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Gin'yo-gumi, Srebrna oljčica

Synonyms

Elaeagnus argentea Pursh;