Elaeagnus commutata
silver berry
A deciduous shrub to 4m in height, spreading by suckers to form thickets. It has an upright habit with silver, scaly, oval-shaped leaves up to 7cm in length, from reddish-brown shoots. Yellowish-white scented flowers appear in late spring, followed in autumn by red fruit with a mealy appearance
Synonyms
Elaeagnus argentea PurshBuy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Grey | |||
| Autumn | Grey | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Elaeagnaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Suckering, Columnar upright
- Genus
Elaeagnus can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees, with simple, often silvery-scaled leaves, and small fragrant tubular flowers borne in clusters in the leaf axils, and followed by small juicy fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N America
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in well-drained soil in full sun, tolerant of dry soil and coastal winds but may become chlorotic on shallow chalky soils
Propagation
Propagate by semi-hardwood cuttings or remove rooted suckers in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Wildlife gardens
- Hedging and screens
Pruning
Pruning group 1; sucker removal if necessary, in autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to elaeagnus sucker
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus, coral spot or leaf spot (fungal) see leaf damage on woody plants
Get involved
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