Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Hardy Banana - TreeTime.ca

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Hardy Banana

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Silverberry (Wolf Willow)
Hardy Banana

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.

The Hardy Banana is a fast-growing evergreen perennial that dies down to the ground each year. A stunning tropical-looking accent for your yard and patio, the Japanese Fiber Banana can be overwintered outdoors in several northern U.S. states and southern Canadian regions. In northern regions, you can bring this plant inside and leave it in your garage. If you enjoy Mexican cuisine, you can use the leaves to make tamales.

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) Quick Facts

Hardy Banana Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 5a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 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: high
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: silvery leaves
Flowers: yellow
Flowers: large cream to yellow
Fruit: Large inedible
Berries: silver, edible
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
Other Names: japanese banana, japanese fibre banana