Wolf Willow - Elaeagnus commutata - €16 per plant  - seed available here

A native of North America these plants are an important food for wildlife in their homeland. The fruits can also be eaten by humans and like all the plants in this genus has nitrogen fixing capabilities and for this reason makes a good addition to orchard hedgerows. It's tolerance of drought and wind make it a good choise for windbreak planting.The plant can also tolerate maritime exposure. To order this plant please contact us [email protected]. 

Context

  • native region: N. America - Quebec to Alaska and south to Utah, S. Dakota and Minnesota..
  • native habitat: Dry calcareous slopes
  • family: Elaeagnaceae

Pests and Disease

  • none known​

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Full sun 
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 2a - 6b
  • Keep weed free while the plant establishes
  • Tolerant of heavy pruning 
  • Drought tolerant
  • Wind tolerant 
  • Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible​


Known Hazards

  • None known 

Overview

  • Deciduous Shrub growing to 5m by 3.5m at a medium rate.
  • In flower in June, and the seeds ripen from Sep to October.
  • The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees.
  • Can fix Nitrogen.
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline and saline soils.
  • Cannot grow in the shade.
  • Prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
  • The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Characteristics

  • form: med shrub. open form 
  • layer :Shrub Layer
  • habit: multi-stemmed, pioneer specie   
  • height x width (m): 4 x 1.5
  • years to bearing fruit: 3-5 yrs  
  • productive life span:  

Products 

  • Fruit: Berry; July - Sep The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw
  • Yield: 
  • Roots: Symbiotic relationship with Nitrogen Fixing Frankia bacteria 
  • Flowers: nectary, attracting bees 
  • The fibrous bark is used in weaving and  to make strong ropes
  • Hedging 
  • Wind Break 
  • Good biomass crop on 3 yr rotation 

Functions, behaviours

  • Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible
  • ​​Plants produce suckers quite freely, often sending them up at some distance from the plant
  • Plants in this genus are notably susceptible to honey fungus
  • Species from this genus are widely used in foresty as ecosystem improvers 
  • Silverberry is an important food for wildlife ​
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project