Wolf Willow

Traditional Cree name: mahihkaniminânâhtik

Latin name: Elaeagnus commutata

Common names: silver berry, silver bush, Metis rosary bush

Family: Elaeagnaceae

Kingdom: Plantae

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Oki, Âba wathtech, Dānít’ádā, Tansi, Hello

My shimmering leaves catch the glistening of the sun and the luminescence of the moonlight, if that doesn’t catch your attention maybe my sweet vanilla-like smell will. 

Wolf Willow is my name, but many know me as Silver berry. My name mahihkaniminânâhtik in nêhiyawêwin (cree language) is translated as Wolf Skin. Which gives you an idea of how my leaves feel to the touch (well if you’ve ever touched a wolf..)

In the spring small silvery yellow flowers pack a powerful scent that fills the air, some say vanilla, some say jasmin, others say wow that’s musky sweet. But all agree that when I am in bloom it smells like spring time on the prairies. 

In late July and early August my flowers wane to make room for berries to grow. Tough silvery berries hide within the silvery leaves. Inside a beautiful surprise I have for you, my seeds have a characteristic dark brown colour with a yellow stripe. Such unique are my seeds that they are used to make necklaces and other traditional Indigenous crafts. Even more modernly my seeds have been used to make Rosary’s by the Metis. I was even used to make an ice cream like treat! 

It’s good to meet you 

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