AMERICAN SILVERBERRY Elaeagnus commutata

Elaeagnus commutata, the silverberry or wolf-willow, is a species of Elaeagnus native to western and boreal North America, from southern Alaska through British Columbia east to Quebec, south to Utah, and across the upper Midwestern United States to South Dakota and western Minnesota. It typically grows on dry to moist sandy and gravel soils in steppes, meadows or woodland edges.

These plants are fast-growing shrubs or small trees growing to 1–4 meters tall and 2-5 meters width. The leaves are silvery on both sides with dense small white scales. The fragrant flowers are yellow. The fruits are 9–12 mm long, also covered in silvery scales.

The species is cultivated as an ornamental plant for its silvery foliage. Both the fruit and seeds of this plant are edible either cooked or raw. The fruit is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals especially A, C, and E. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids — these fats are rarely found in fruits.

Silverberry is an important food for wildlife.e Native Americans, who ate the berries in puddings, jellies, and in raw or dried form.

Type: Hardy shrub/tree

Hardiness zones: 2-6

Seeds per pack: 3

Germination: Surface sow in a sterile seed-start mix. Water, and place in plastic, and in the fridge for 90 days for stratification. Then bring to warmth for them to germinate. Keep continually moist.