Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Bog Birch - TreeTime.ca

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Bog Birch

Elaeagnus commutata

Betula pumila

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Silverberry (Wolf Willow)
Bog Birch

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.

Bog Birch is a hardy, deciduous shrub native to North America. It thrives in wetlands, riparian zones, and boreal forests, and can be found as far north as the Arctic Circle—making it one of the few woody plants to grow in such extreme climates.

In Western Canada, it is especially common in moist lowlands, along streambanks, and in peatlands. Beyond its ecological role in stabilizing soils and supporting wildlife, Bog Birch is frequently used in reclamation and restoration projects due to its resilience and ability to establish quickly in disturbed or degraded landscapes.

Note: We use Bog Birch for Betula pumila. This species is also known by many other common names, including Dwarf Birch, Swamp Birch, and others. Please confirm the scientific name to ensure you are ordering the correct plant.

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) Quick Facts

Bog Birch Quick Facts

Lowest Price: $3.99 - SAVE UP TO 43%
Zone: 1a
Zone: 2a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.2 m (4 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Foliage: silvery leaves
Fall colour: red-orange
Flowers: yellow
Berries: silver, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, YT, NT, NU
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Other Names: american silverberry, silver berry, wolf willow
Other Names: dwarf birch, low birch, scrub birch, swamp birch