TREES AND SHRUBS OF THE ELK VALLEY
Walking among giants is a popular activity in Fernie ; the spectacular Western Red Cedars found along the Mt Fernie Park Road to Island Lake Lodge and the grove of Giant Black Cottonwoods near Morrissey are fascinating examples of the unique biodiversity to be found in the Elk Valley .
Fernie is the farthest east that Western Red Cedars grow , usually preferring a coastal climate , while the cottonwoods have defied nature by growing for up to 400 years . These trees generally only survive around 40 years . The transformation from slender , swaying thickets to solid , towering structures with deeply grooved bark is a sight to behold . But these behemoths are not the only examples worth spotting , watch out for these other varieties as you walk .
SILVERBERRY ( Wolf Willow )
Ktunaxa : kyanuqⱡu Latin : Elaeagnus commutata French : Chalet changeant
A member of the Oleaster family , the Silverberry is a shrubby plant that thrives in gravelly patches at low to mid-level elevations , often by the side of roads . The name Silverberry comes from the coating of silvery scales which cover the leaves , stems and berries . The tiny yellow flowers have a pungent sweet smell .
The berries , while edible , are not particularly palatable . The large seed found within the berry has traditionally been used for beadwork by the Ktunaxa , while the fibrous bark is used in basketry , weaving and rope making . The bark should be collected in spring and early summer when it can be easily separated from the stem .
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