Often Austin-area homeowners come into our nursery on a quest
for ‘the perfect plant.’ They want an evergreen that will make an
effective screen, while being a fast grower that also thrives in shade
or blazing sun without any extra watering… and smells good.
This is a tall order. But believe it or not there is a plant that fits
the bill – and its name is silverberry. This beauty, known also
as Russian olive (or more officially - Eleagnus fruitlandii) can
grow to a height of 8 to 10 feet with a spread of 15 to 20 feet if
left un-pruned. Its growth habit and the speed of this growth
makes silverberry an obvious choice as a privacy screen.
The leaves are a blue-ish green on top, and lighter silver on the
bottom. These are covered with small brown scales with silvery
flecks. Highly attractive!
Silverberry blossoms in late winter and early spring with small,
fragrant cream flowers. The blossoms ripen into a small, dark
reddish fruit that’s very popular with the birds.
Personally, I can attest to this plant’s winter hardiness and tol-
erance to our capricious climate. In 2001 I moved into my present
home in northern Hays County. There was a pair silverberries on
the property… both planted near trees.
Eleven years later, through blistering heat, droughts and perishing
frosts, they continue to stand tall, and flourish without any wat-
ering or extra care. They even made it through that 10 degree
frosty night that happened back in January, 2010.
Looking for a versatile plant that can take what Central Texas
can give? Silverberry just might be the answer. It gets my vote
for plant of the month. Happy Gardening Everyone!
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