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How to Grow Silverberry

Silverberry

Elaeagnus commutata

shrub

Silverberry is a deciduous to semi-evergreen North American shrub known for its silvery foliage and fragrant, small yellowish flowers followed by berry-like fruits. The plant is extremely hardy and drought-tolerant once established, making it excellent for difficult sites. It provides food for wildlife and ornamental interest throughout the growing season.

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Example Silverberry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

  1. Plant Silverberry

    Around Apr 17

    Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.

  2. Tend & protect

    Late spring–summer

    Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.

  3. Harvest Silverberry

    Late summer into fall

    Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Silverberry dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun to part shade; 6+ hours of sunlight preferred
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Water: Low water needs once established; drought-tolerant. Water regularly during first growing season to establish deep roots. Minimal supplemental watering needed thereafter except during severe drought.
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Spacing: 36 inches
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Days to maturity: Ornamental shrub; mature size 6-12 feet tall and wide within 5-7 years
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Planting depth: Plant at same depth as root ball; bare-root cuttings at soil line

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy to sandy soil; tolerates poor soil
pH: 5.5-7.5
Amendments:
Compost for initial establishment Avoid heavy clay amendments Sand if soil is overly dense

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-7; extremely cold-hardy

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b

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Growth Stages

1

Establishment

First year

Young plant developing root system; slow initial growth typical

Water consistently during first season. Mulch lightly to retain moisture. Protect from harsh winds. Do not fertilize.

2

Vegetative Growth

Years 1-3

Plant develops silvery compound leaves and multi-stemmed branching structure

Minimal pruning needed; shrub naturally forms attractive shape. Can be pruned after flowering to manage size. Establish lateral branches.

3

Flowering

4-6 weeks in spring/early summer

Small, fragrant yellowish flowers appear in leaf axils along stems; sweetly scented

Flowers appear in late spring to early summer. No special care needed. Flowers are self-pollinating and attract pollinators.

4

Fruiting

6-8 weeks; persists on plant into fall

Silver-speckled red or orange berry-like fruits (drupes) develop following flowers; very ornamental

Fruits mature mid to late summer. Leave on plant for wildlife food or harvest for fresh consumption. Seeds inside contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

5

Dormancy

November through March

Foliage drops in fall; plant enters winter rest

No watering or fertilizing needed. Hardy to extreme cold. Remove any dead wood in early spring before growth resumes.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Buffaloberry Willow Prairie rose Little bluestem grass Yucca

Avoid planting near:

Plants preferring acidic soil below pH 5.5 Plants requiring consistently moist soil Competing shade trees that would reduce sunlight

Common Pests

  • Rarely problematic; prune heavily infested branches. Horticultural oil spray in early spring before bud break.

  • Spray with water to dislodge. Insecticidal soap if severe. Encourage natural predators.

  • Increase humidity by misting foliage. Miticide spray if population is high.

Uses

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Fresh and dried fruit consumption

Culinary

Silverberry fruits are edible with a tart, slightly mealy texture and sweet undertone. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or made into preserves and beverages. [source]

🦋

Wildlife food source

Wildlife

The abundant fruits are a critical food source for songbirds, game birds, and small mammals throughout late summer and fall. The plant provides both food and shelter. [source]

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Ornamental landscaping

Household

The striking silvery foliage, fragrant flowers, and bright colorful fruits make silverberry excellent for ornamental hedges, windbreaks, and specimen plantings in dry or difficult sites. [source]

💊

Traditional herbal medicine

Medicinal

Indigenous peoples used silverberry fruits and bark in traditional medicine preparations for their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. [source]

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Erosion control and soil stabilization

Household

The nitrogen-fixing root nodules and dense root system make silverberry excellent for stabilizing slopes, controlling erosion, and improving poor soils naturally. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest fruits in mid to late summer when they turn from red to deep orange-red and become soft. Pick by hand or gently shake branches over a cloth. Eat fresh (tart-sweet flavor) or dry for later use. Seeds can be separated and planted for new shrubs. Leave some fruits on plant for birds and wildlife.

Fun Facts

  • 🌱 Silverberry's foliage contains reflective hairs that give it the characteristic silvery appearance, which also helps it conserve water in dry climates by reflecting sunlight and reducing water loss.
  • 🌱 Like legumes, silverberry forms symbiotic relationships with actinomycete bacteria in root nodules that allow it to fix atmospheric nitrogen, gradually improving poor soil.
  • 🌱 The fragrant flowers are highly attractive to bees and other pollinators despite their small, inconspicuous appearance, making the shrub valuable for pollinator gardens.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Full Sun Mulch
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