Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Pussy Willow - TreeTime.ca

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Pussy Willow

Salix discolor

Elaeagnus commutata

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

Pussy Willow
Silverberry (Wolf Willow)

Pussy Willow is a large shrub or small tree that produces catkins that are soft, silky, and silvery before leaves appear in the spring. This native willow prefers moist to wet soil.

Pussy Willow makes a beautiful accent tree, and its bright branches can be used for floral arrangements or basket making.

All willow are important to native pollinators each spring as they have higher amounts of pollen and nectar early each growing season when other food sources are scarce.

Silverberry (also known as Wolf Willow) is a common native North American shrub. This beautiful ornamental plant has characteristic silver leaves and fragrant yellow flowers.

Its silver berries remain on the branches through the winter. Silverberry is cold hardy and has some ability as a nitrogen fixer. It can grow on dry to moist sandy/gravel soils. This plant is very low maintenance.

Pussy Willow Quick Facts

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 1a
Height: 7 m (23 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: high


Foliage: silvery leaves
Flowers: yellow
Berries: silver, edible
Seeds: located within the catkins
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Other Names: american willow
Other Names: american silverberry, silver berry, wolf willow