Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Wild Privet - TreeTime.ca

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Wild Privet

Ligustrum vulgare

Elaeagnus commutata

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COMING SOON

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Wild Privet
Silverberry (Wolf Willow)

Wild Privet is a fast growing ornamental shrub that is well suited for forming hedges and privacy screens. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They have small white flowers, though the smell is often considered unpleasant. While the berries are inedible, they are a good food source for many bird species.

It is recommended to prune Wild Privet immediately after flowering, as it can readily self seed. It is deer and rabbit tolerant. It can grow in dry areas, on slopes, and withstand the wind making it well suited for many growing conditions.

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.

Wild Privet Quick Facts

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) Quick Facts

Zone: 5a
Zone: 1a
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Suckering: medium
Suckering: high

Toxicity: If ingested, all parts of this plant will cause severe discomfort. Toxic to dogs, cats, and horses

Foliage: silvery leaves
Flowers: white
Flowers: yellow
Berries: black
Berries: silver, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Other Names: common privet, european privet
Other Names: american silverberry, silver berry, wolf willow