LIFE CYCLE
Perennial
PLANT CHARACTERISTICS
Silvery foliage
GROWTH HABIT
Bushy
BLOOM SEASON
Late spring to early summer
FLAVOUR PROFILE
Mildly sweet
SUITABLE FOR
OUT DOOR
SEED TYPE
Open-pollinated
PLANT TYPE
Fruit shrub
PLANTING SEASON
Spring
FRUIT SIZE
Small
PLANT HEIGHT
2–4 meters
LIGHT REQUIREMENT
Full sun
WATER NEEDS
Moderate
HARDINESS ZONES
USDA 2–7
CONTAINER GARDEN
Not recommended
PLANT SPACING
1.5–2 meters
PLANTING DEPTH
1–2 cm
GROWING CONDITIONS
Well-drained soil
Frequently Asked Questions
Can American Silverberry produce attractive silvery fruits and foliage?
Can American Silverberry produce attractive silvery fruits and foliage?
Yes. This hardy shrub is admired for its silvery-green foliage and decorative silvery fruits that add ornamental interest throughout the growing season.
Do the fragrant flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators?
Do the fragrant flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators?
Yes. The small, fragrant flowers provide nectar and attract bees and other beneficial pollinating insects during bloom.
Can American Silverberry be grown as a hedge or landscape shrub?
Can American Silverberry be grown as a hedge or landscape shrub?
Yes. Its dense, spreading growth makes it well suited for hedges, shelterbelts, naturalized plantings, wildlife gardens, and ornamental landscape borders.
Will annual pruning help maintain a healthy, well-shaped shrub?
Will annual pruning help maintain a healthy, well-shaped shrub?
Yes. Light pruning helps improve air circulation, encourages vigorous new growth, and maintains an attractive plant form.
Can the fruits provide seasonal interest for wildlife?
Can the fruits provide seasonal interest for wildlife?
Yes. The ornamental fruits add visual appeal and can provide a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
How is American Silverberry different from Autumn Olive?
How is American Silverberry different from Autumn Olive?
American Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata) is a hardy shrub with silvery foliage and silver-colored fruits, while Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata) typically produces green leaves with silvery undersides and abundant red berries in late summer to autumn.