Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Red Alder - TreeTime.ca

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) vs Red Alder

Elaeagnus commutata

Alnus rubra

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Silverberry (Wolf Willow)
Red Alder

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.

Red Alder is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to western North America. Its fixes nitrogen, which enriches soils and supports the growth of surrounding plants. Ideal for sites with poor soil conditions, or areas disturbed by logging, construction or fire.
It provides shade in riparian areas, creating cover for fish. Its seeds and buds are eaten by birds and small mammals, while the foliage provides browse for wildlife. The catkins release clouds of pollen attracting bees and other insects.
The Red Alder gets its namesake from the rusty-red color the bark turns when bruised.

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) Quick Facts

Red Alder Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 5b
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 15 m (50 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 9 m (30 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, rounded to conical
Spreading: seeds - medium, stump sprouting - medium
Suckering: high


Foliage: silvery leaves
Bark: smooth, grey
Flowers: yellow
Berries: silver, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


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