Silverberry/Wolfberry

Description

Available in lots of 25 10-24″ bare root seedlings.

Elaeagnus commutata Bernh. ex Rydb.

Also known as Wolfberry or Wolf-willow.

Size: 5-9 ft tall

Drought Resistance: Excellent

Cold Hardiness: Excellent

Growth Rate: Fast

Life Span: 30 years. Spreads by suckering.

Wildlife Value: An important wildlife food for moose, elk, mule deer and white-tailed deer, pronghorn, upland game birds, small nongame birds, small mammals, and waterfowl. It also provides protection and nesting cover for these same animals.

Misc.: The berries are edible and contain striped seeds, which can be dried and drilled to make beads.

Refer to the NRCS Fact Sheet for more information.  Although this shrub seems similar to Russian Olive, it is a native species and not considered invasive. See this Fact Sheet for more information on Russian Olives.