silverberry

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• silverberry

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Elaeagnus argentea var. elongata
• Elaeagnus argentea var. maxima
• Elaeagnus argentea subsp. pauciflora
• Elaeagnus argentea subsp. rotundifolia
• Elaeagnus argentea subsp. sinuosa
• Elaeagnus veteris-castelli

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Rosales. Finally, it is a member of the family Elaeagnaceae and the genus Elaeagnus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution across the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Furthermore, its presence extends to the coastal and inland areas of Great Britain. The species is also widely documented throughout the landscapes of Norway. Finally, its geographical range includes the vast territories of Sweden.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Elaeagnus commutata is characterized by its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions, though it is frequently documented within the managed environment of a garden. In these anthropogenic settings, the plant thrives when provided with well-drained soil and sufficient sunlight, often serving as a resilient ornamental or functional component of cultivated landscapes. While it can integrate into various soil types, its presence in garden habitats typically indicates a preference for moderate moisture levels and a niche where it can benefit from controlled nutrient availability. Its ecological role in such settings often involves providing structural complexity and potential resources for local pollinators, depending on the specific microclimate of the garden ecosystem.

Habitat :

garden

Life history

The life history of Elaeagnus commutata is characterized by a perennial lifecycle, allowing the individual to persist through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its structural growth and survival strategy, the species exhibits characteristics of both phanerophyte and nanophanerophyte life forms, reflecting its ability to maintain woody stems above the ground level.

Life form :

nanophanerophyte

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Elaeagnus commutata is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub, exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber, liana, or vine. This terrestrial plant maintains an independent lifestyle, functioning as a non-parasitic species. In terms of stature, it reaches a minimum height of 1 m, with an average plant height of approximately 3.225 m, and can attain a maximum height of up to 3.5 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3.5 m

Plant height mean:

3.225 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Elaeagnus commutata is characterized by a standard C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the Calvin cycle to fix atmospheric carbon dioxide into organic compounds. As a non-carnivorous species, the plant does not possess specialized anatomical adaptations for the capture or digestion of prey to supplement its nutrient uptake; instead, it relies on its root system for the absorption of essential minerals and water from the soil. This metabolic profile reflects a conventional autotrophic strategy common among woody perennials in its ecological niche.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Elaeagnus commutata is characterized by a sexual reproductive cycle, as asexual reproduction is notably absent. The flowering period occurs primarily during the late spring and early summer, with flowering starting in May and concluding in June. This process relies on biotic pollination syndromes, specifically mediated by insects, which play a crucial role in the fertilization process. Following successful pollination, the plant produces seeds with a highly consistent mass, ranging from a minimum of 0.119 g to a maximum of 0.1193 g, with an average seed mass of approximately 0.119275 g. The dispersal of these seeds follows a zoochorous syndrome, meaning they are distributed via animals, ensuring the propagation of the species across its habitat.

Dispersal syndrome :

zoochorous

Flowering time :

May

Flowering time :

Jun

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Seed mass max:

0.1193 g

Seed mass mean:

0.119275 g

Seed mass min:

0.119 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Elaeagnus commutata has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Chemicals

Elaeagnus commutata has 14 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, CALCIUM, FAT, Hippophaenin A, IRON.

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

Hippophaenin A

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

IRON

1. Dr. Duke

PHOSPHORUS

1. Dr. Duke

Strictinin

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

Tannins

1. Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin

ascorbic acid

1. Dr. Duke

beta-carotene

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Elaeagnus commutata has 207 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Acidulant, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic, Analgesic, Androgenic?.

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic?

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

AntiAGE

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCFS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCTS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCrohn's

1. Dr. Duke

Preparations