Wolf Willow

Wolf Willow (Elaeagnus commutata)

Bloom time: May – June

Additional photos:

• Elaeagnus commutata mid bloom
  credit: Linda Kershaw
• Elaeagnus commutata ripe fruits
  credit: Robert N. Smith

General: This silvery shrub is usually under 2 m tall, with rusty coloured twigs.

Leaves & Twigs: Leaves are oval-shaped (3-8 cm long) and have a distinct silvery-green colour.

Flowers & Fruits

• Wolf willow flowers are small, yellow on the inside and silvery on the outside. They produce a strong musky-sweet smell.
• Berries are a dry silvery colour, with a relatively large, stony seed.

Habitat: Wolf willow prefers the moist edges of prairies, dry hillsides and open fields in aspen forests.

PlantWatch Pointers: Tag a typical shrub for observation.

To Observe:

• First bloom: when the first flowers are open on the observed shrub (3 places).
• Mid bloom: when 50% of the flowers are open on the observed shrub.

Distribution Map:

This species is monitored in:

• Alberta
• Quebec
• Saskatchewan

The flowers are very fragrant; and the beautiful striped seeds are popular in the Prairies for making necklaces.