Botanical profile

Elaeagnus commutata

Latin name
Elaeagnus commutata
Common name
Silver Chalef
Type
Native shrub
Family
Elaeagnaceae

Elaeagnus commutata, commonly known as silverberry, is a very robust native shrub, recognized for its luminous silver foliage and excellent tolerance to harsh conditions. It forms a dense, rounded to slightly spreading bushy habit, ideal for natural hedges, windbreaks, naturalistic plantings, and soil stabilization. Its deciduous silver-gray foliage reflects light and adds a soft texture to the landscape. In spring, it produces small, very fragrant pale yellow flowers, followed by edible silver fruits appreciated by wildlife. Capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, it naturally improves poor soils. Extremely hardy and perfectly adapted to Quebec conditions, Elaeagnus commutata tolerates drought, wind, salt, and poor soils, making it an ecological and sustainable choice.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 2–7
Exposure
Sun to partial shade
Watering
Low to moderate
Fertilization
None required
Soil type
Very tolerant, poor, dry to fresh, well-drained
Minimum temperature
-40°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Pale yellow
Fruiting
Edible silver-colored fruits, appreciated by wildlife
Foliage color
Silver gray
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Dense and rounded shrub
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
4 m (13 ft)
Width
4 m (13 ft)
Growth rate
Fast
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Native berry
Pet friendly
Safe for pets

Pets

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

Deer
Less attractive or generally tolerated by deer

Deer

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.