Silverberry
Elaeagnus commutata
Last reviewed: October 2026
Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Silverberry as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MN and 7 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Silverberry is a native deciduous shrub with distinctive silvery-gray foliage that creates an attractive contrast in the landscape. It produces small, fragrant yellow flowers in late spring followed by small silvery berries, and can grow quite large if not maintained.
In an HOA neighborhood
Silverberry is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Can spread aggressively through suckers
- May appear too informal for traditional landscapes
- Requires regular pruning to maintain neat appearance
Wildlife value
The fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies in May and June. Birds enjoy the small silvery berries that develop in late summer.
Common questions
- How much sun does Silverberry need?
- Silverberry grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Silverberry bloom?
- Silverberry blooms in May and June.
- Where is Silverberry native?
- Silverberry (Elaeagnus commutata) is native to CA, CO, ID, MN and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Silverberry toxic to dogs?
- Silverberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Silverberry toxic to cats?
- Silverberry is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Silverberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Silverberry as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Silverberry attract?
- Silverberry draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Silverberry HOA-friendly?
- Silverberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Silverberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.