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 CO, ID, MN, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Silverberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Elaeagnus commutata

Last reviewed: July 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

CO, ID, MN, MT and 5 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies

Before you buy

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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: mid zone, 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 CO, ID, MN, MT and 5 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Silverberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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