Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata, Fl. Rocky Mts.: 582 (1917))

Family: Elaeagnaceae

Author: Bernh. ex Rydb.

Bibliography: Fl. Rocky Mts.: 582 (1917)

Year: 1917

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Elaeagnus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Yukon to Québec and Utah

Description

The Silverberry, scientifically known as Elaeagnus commutata, is a distinctive and resilient member of the Elaeagnaceae family, known for its hardiness and adaptability. This shrub is found extensively throughout North America, with its range spanning from the colder northern territories such as Yukon and Québec down to the more temperate regions of Utah.

First described in the seminal botanical reference “Flora of the Rocky Mountains” in 1917 by Bernh. ex Rydb., the Silverberry has been acknowledged for its unique botanical characteristics and ecological significance. This perennial shrub commonly grows to a height of 3 to 16 feet and is recognized for its robust, woody stems and oval, silvery leaves that give the plant its common name.

The Silverberry thrives in a variety of environments, often found in well-drained soils, from riverbanks and sand dunes to forest edges and clearings. It has small, fragrant, pale yellow flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer, attracting a variety of pollinators, including bees. By late summer, the plant produces clusters of silvery, berry-like drupes that serve as an important food source for wildlife, including birds and mammals.

One of the distinguishing features of the Silverberry is its ability to enhance soil fertility. The plant forms a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, which enriches the soil by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be utilized by other plants. This makes Elaeagnus commutata a valuable species for land reclamation and restoration projects, especially in areas where soil quality is poor.

In addition to its ecological benefits, the Silverberry is also utilized in landscaping for its ornamental value. Its silvery foliage provides a striking contrast in gardens and naturalized areas, and its drought resistance makes it an excellent choice for xeriscaping.

Overall, the Silverberry stands out not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its ecological contributions and adaptability, making it a notable species in the diverse flora of North America.

Common Names

Fin: (lännen)hopeapensas
Swe: (lännen)hopeapensas, silverbuske, bredbladig silverbuske, vanlig silverbuske
Dan: almindelig sølvblad, bredbladet sølvblad, sølvblad
Lit: amerikinis žilakrūmis
Pol: oliwnik srebrzysty
Deu: silber-ölweide, silber-öweide
Eng: silverberry, wolf-willow, american silverberry, silver elaeagnus, wolfberry
Hun: barnás ezüstfa
Fra: chalef argenté, chalef changeant
Est: läikiv hõbepuu
Lav: sudraba eleagns
Nob: sølvbusk
Nno: sølvbusk
En: Silverberry, Wolf-willow, American silverberry, Silver elaeagnus, Wolfberry
Da: Almindelig sølvblad, Bredbladet sølvblad, Sølvblad
Et: Läikiv hõbepuu
Fi: (lännen)hopeapensas
Fr: Chalef argenté, Chalef changeant
De: Silber-Öweide, Silber-Ölweide
Hu: Barnás ezüstfa
Lv: Sudraba eleagns
Lt: Amerikinis žilakrūmis
Nb: Sølvbusk
Nn: Sølvbusk
Pl: Oliwnik srebrzysty
Sv: (lännen)hopeapensas, Silverbuske, Bredbladig silverbuske, Vanlig silverbuske

Synonyms

• Elaeagnus veteris-castelli (Lepage)
• Elaeagnus argentea subsp. euargentea (Servett.)
• Elaeagnus argentea subsp. pauciflora (Servett.)
• Shepherdia argentea (Schltdl.)
• Elaeagnus argentea subsp. rotundifolia (Servett.)
• Elaeagnus argentea subsp. sinuosa (Servett.)
• Elaeagnus argentea var. maxima (Servett.)
• Elaeagnus argentea var. elongata (Servett.)
• Elaeagnus glabra (K.Koch)
• Elaeagnus argentea (Pursh)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Montana (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Québec (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Washington (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Yukon (native)
• Altay (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Rhode I. (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• West Siberia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Aug 9, 2021 by Frédérick David (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 28, 2021 by Jiro Neil (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 21, 2020 by Aurelie Prigent (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 17, 2019 by Bobbington (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 14, 2021 by Nikhil Parmar (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 8, 2022 by Blue Bottle (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 1, 2022 by Goulidan Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Gvido Aspers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Геннадий Gennadii (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 11, 2019 by can lindy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Васильев Андрей (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2019 by can lindy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2020 by Emm Lamb (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by Nicole Henderson (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − ND State Soil Conservation Committee. USDA NRCS ND State Office. United States, ND. (public)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2020 by Jeffrey parnes (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2022 by Васильев Андрей (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Sonlight (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 7, 2019 by Niklas Holmström (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2020 by Wazurren (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2019 by can lindy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 6, 2019 by can lindy (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3039274)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:315523-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb.)

Specifications

Growth form>: Multiple Stem

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth rate>: Rapid

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.9

Ph minimum: 5.0