Oak Summit Nursery
Wolf Willow
Wolf Willow
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Wolf Willow (Elaeagnus commutata) is a native North American shrub found across much of Canada. Its silvery foliage and olive shaped fruit are distinctive, and the fruit feeds wildlife.
The spreading shrub tolerates sandy or loamy soil, dry conditions, and poor sites. It is used in windbreaks, erosion control, and naturalized plantings.
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Growing details
- Hardiness
- Zone 2
- Mature size
- 3 to 10 ft tall and wideSpreads by underground stems into a thicket
- Foliage
- Silver leavesSmall olive shaped silver fruit that feeds wildlife
- Season
- Flowers in May and JuneFruit ripens from August to October
- Native range
- Native to ManitobaFound across much of Canada
- Site and soil
- Full sun in sandy or loamy soilTolerates dry and poor sites
More about this plant
A native that spreads
Wolf willow grows wild from Alaska and the Yukon east across much of Canada. It spreads by underground stems and forms loose colonies, which is why it is used to hold banks, stop erosion and reclaim rough ground. It also fixes its own nitrogen. Plant it in open sun where it has room to run.
Good for : For birds and pollinators, Tough sites
Cold hardinessZone 2 · Canadian maps for this plant
Zone 2 and warmer
The map shows minimum winter hardiness. Soil, moisture and summer warmth also affect how a plant grows.
About these maps
Climate: Natural Resources Canada, 1991–2020. Provincial distribution: VASCAN via retained botanical research. Province outlines: Natural Earth, public domain.
Open Government Licence – Canada