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We shape clay into a pot, but it is the emptiness inside that holds whatever we want.

Lao Tzu

Wolf Willow

Wolf willow is not a willow, but a member of the same genus as Russian olive. The leaves are grey-green, with very pale undersides.

This is a native shrub, frequently found on dry rocky or sandy sites near the river, and road cuts.

While most often found in open sun, it tolerates shade. I first met wolf willow on a portage upstream of Nordegg. They were scattered along the portage trail. The pale leaves looked almost luminous against the shade of mixed spruce and poplar.

In the spring Wolf willow has a small yellow flower with a very strong heavy scent. Later it has berries that are the same colour as the leaves, hence it's other name, Silverberry Each berry has a single nut inside, brown with yellow stripes. Natives and early settlers used these decoratively.

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Copyright © 2008 - 2009 S. G. Botsford

Sherwood's Forests is located about 75 km southwest of Edmonton, Alberta. Please refer to the map on our Contact page for directions.