Wolf Willow

Wolf Willow is a shrub to small tree that grows up to 4 m tall

Wolf Willos is also know as silverberry, because of the fruit which looks like a berry and has a silvery exterior. Wolf Willow leaves are also silvery with star-shaped hairs!

The fruit is actually in the same category as cherries, peaches, or plums, with a fleshy part surrounding a hard pit (seed) inside

Wolf Willow has sweet-smelling, yellow flowers

Wolf Willow can spread quickly because of its root system

Found along water courses, like rivers, lake shores, on open slopes, and open (more moist) areas, widespread in Alberta

The roots of this plant have Frankia bacteria which helps fix nitrogen (for the plant to get nutrients) allowing it survive in harsh soils.

When burned, the bush lets off a bad smell - people that used it for firewood were called lazy for not finding something different.

Wolf Willow seeds are used to make Indigenous and Métis jewelry and crafts

To prepare seeds, the outer mealy flesh can be rubbed off to expose the striped seed, or it can be boiled and rubbed to expose the seed. You can also try soaking the fruit and removing the mealy flesh after drying.

The fruit is rich in vitamins and can be eaten cooked or raw, or mixed with other foods and fats

The bark of the Wolf Willow was used to make strong baskets that could be used for collecting fruit and berries.

Indigenous people used a solution made with the bark to help treat frostbite!