Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Crimson Passion Cherry - TreeTime.ca

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Crimson Passion Cherry

Elaeagnus commutata

Prunus x kerrasis Crimson Passion

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Silverberry (Wolf Willow)
Crimson Passion Cherry

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.

Crimson Passion Cherry is a cold-hardy dwarf sour cherry. It produces deep, dark burgundy fruit that are larger and sweeter than other varieties, with a texture that is similar to sweet cherries. They are one of the top varieties for fresh eating but are also well-suited to baking and preserves. In the spring, beautiful white flowers cover the branches, adding ornamental value.

Crimson Passion Cherry was developed at the University of Saskatchewan. It is recommended to grow dwarf sour cherries as a shrub rather than a small tree. The shrub form tends to bear fruit earlier and is less susceptible to winterkill.

Sour cherries are self-fertile; however, planting with additional varieties for cross-pollination can increase yields.

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) Quick Facts

Crimson Passion Cherry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.8 m (6 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Foliage: silvery leaves
Fall colour: orange
Flowers: yellow
Flowers: white
Berries: silver, edible
Berries: large dark red cherries, excellent quality
Flavor: excellent variety for fresh eating.
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, YT, NT, NU
Other Names: american silverberry, silver berry, wolf willow