Many taxa in this genus are separated only by quantitative characters, and better information on population variation is likely to lead to a significant reduction in the number of species recognized. Indeed, recent studies (Du, Fl. Yunnan. 12: 749-776. 2006) suggest that some species of Elaeagnus should be combined[].

Common Name: Silverberry

General Information

Elaeagnus commutata is an unarmed, deciduous shrub or a small tree; it usually grows 100 - 300cm tall, occasionally to 400cm. The plant reproduces mainly by rhizomes, spreading by means of these underground stems from which single, erect aerial stems arise - the plant often forming thickets or loose colonies[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine. It has been used in soil reclamation projects and is also often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used as a hedge.
This species is widespread and, while it is possibly declining in parts of its range, it is not thought that any global population decline is likely to meet (or be close to meeting) the threshold for Vulnerable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2016)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

Northern and central N. America - Alaska to Quebec, south to Idaho, Utah, South Dakota and Minnesota..

Habitat

Dry calcareous slopes[, ]. Found on a variety of sites from warm, open, sunny grasslands to cooler, forested areas and woodland thickets, sometimes in moist areas along streams and near springs and seeps[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Elaeagnus commutata is a very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -40°c when dormant[]. Plants grow best in a continental climate, with its cold winters and warm to hot summers. In regions with milder winters and cooler summers the plants are likely to suffer winter damage, mainly because the wood is not fully ripened in the cooler summers and also because mild winters can encourage the plant to come into new growth too soon - this new growth being susceptible to frost damage..
An easily grown plant - it requires a position in full sun[, ], but succeeds in most soils that are well-drained[], though it dislikes shallow chalk soils[]. It can tolerate moderately alkaline soils[]. Prefers a light sandy soil that is only moderately fertile, succeeding in poor and dry soils[, ]. Plants are very drought and wind resistant[, , ].
A moderately fast-growing plant[].
The small flowers are deliciously scented[].
This species does not normally require pruning but the plant can regenerate from very old wood and also from the roots, so can be cut back severely if required[].
Plants are tolerant of fire - top growth is usually killed but the plant is able to resprout freely from the roots[].
Plants resent root disturbance and should be placed in their permanent positions as soon as possible[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[]. An excellent companion plant, when grown in orchards it can increase yields from the fruit trees by up to 10%.
Often confused with E. Angustifolia even though it is very distinct[].
Plants produce suckers quite freely, often sending them up at some distance from the plant[, ].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[, ].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. Dry and mealy[, , , ]. Good when added to soups they also make an excellent jelly[]. The fruit must be fully ripe before it can be enjoyed raw, if even slightly under-ripe it will be quite astringent[]. The ovate to ellipsoid fruit is around 8 - 10mm long, containing a single large seed[, ].

Seed - raw or cooked. It can be eaten with the fruit though the seed case is rather fibrous[].

Medicinal

A strong decoction of the bark, mixed with oil, has been used as a salve for children with frostbite[].

A decoction of the roots, combined with sumac roots (Rhus spp.), has been used in the treatment of syphilis[]. This medicine was considered to be very poisonous and, if you survived it, you were likely to become sterile[].

The fruit of many members of this genus is a very rich source of vitamins and minerals, especially in vitamins A, C and E, flavanoids and other bio-active compounds. It is also a fairly good source of essential fatty acids, which is fairly unusual for a fruit. It is being investigated as a food that is capable of reducing the incidence of cancer and also as a means of halting or reversing the growth of cancers[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants can be grown as a hedge in exposed positions, tolerating maritime exposure. They have a rather open habit, however, and so do not afford a lot of wind protection. Because they fix atmospheric nitrogen, they enrich the soil and so make a very good companion hedge in orchards etc[].
The plant adapts well to disturbed sites. It is used for rehabilitating mine spoils in British Columbia and Alberta, where its rhizomes help prevent soil erosion and its nitrogen production enriches the soil. It can spread rapidly on amended tailings sand - survival remained high after 7 years, and rhizomatous reproduction was vigorous[].
Because of its ability to invade disturbed land and its nitrogen-fixing properties, this species can be used as a pioneer to help restore native woodland. With its various uses, it also becomes a useful plant to use when establishing a woodland garden - its intolerance of shade will make sure it does not hang around as the tree cover increases[].

Other Uses

The fibrous bark is used in weaving, it has been twisted to make strong ropes and has also been used to make blankets and clothing[, ].

Dried fruits are used as beads[, ].

The berries have been used to make a soap[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. It should germinate in late winter or early spring, though it may take 18 months[]. Stored seed can be very slow to germinate, often taking more than 18 months. A warm stratification for 4 weeks followed by 12 weeks cold stratification can help[]. The seed usually (eventually) germinates quite well[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pot as soon as they are large enough to handle and plant out when they are at least 15cm tall.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, 10 - 12cm with a heel, autumn in a frame[]. The cuttings are rather slow and difficult to root, leave them for 12 months[].
Layering in September/early autumn. Takes 12 months[].
Division of suckers during the dormant season[, ]. The larger suckers can be planted out direct into their permanent positions, but it is probably best to pot up smaller suckers and grow them on in a cold frame until they are established.