Common Caragana vs Silverberry (Wolf Willow) - TreeTime.ca

Common Caragana vs Silverberry (Wolf Willow)

Elaeagnus commutata

Caragana arborescens

Silverberry (Wolf Willow)
Common Caragana

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.

Common Caragana is a fast growing shrub that's known for its exceptional hardiness and drought tolerance. Although it's most commonly planted in shelterbelts, Common Caragana is also an excellent hedge or feature shrub.

Note: in warmer areas, this species can be difficult to contain once planted. Use the right plant in the right place.

Silverberry (Wolf Willow) Quick Facts

Common Caragana Quick Facts

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Zone: 1a
Zone: 1b
Height: 3 m (10 ft)
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Spread: 0.9 m (3 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: dry, normal
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: medium
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: high
Suckering: none
Maintenance: medium


Foliage: silvery leaves
Flowers: yellow
Flowers: yellow, in spring
Fruit: pod like fruits
Berries: silver, edible
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


In row spacing: 0.3 m (1.0 ft)
Between row spacing: 5 m (16 ft)
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, YT, NT, NU
Other Names: american silverberry, silver berry, wolf willow
Other Names: black karagana, caragana, pea tree, siberian pea shrub, yellow acacia