Commutata: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora (BF) and Flora of Alberta (FOA) leading to this species. 

	shrubs NOT spiny
	young twigs brown stellate-pubescent; NOT [young twigs white or silvery stellate-pubescent]
	leaves elliptic; NOT [leaves lanceolate]
	style NOT enclosed by a tubular disc; NOT [style enclosed at base by a tubular disc]
	fruit silvery; NOT [fruit yellow]

Elaeagnus: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora (BF) and Flora of Alberta (FOA) leading to this genus. 

	leaves alternate; NOT [leaves opposite]
	flowers perfect; NOT [flowers unisexual (plant dioecious)]
	sepals 4; NOT [sepals 2]
	tube much longer than the ovary; NOT [tube shorter]
	stamens 4; NOT [stamens 8]

Elaeagnaceae: Answers to key questions in Budd's Flora  leading to this family. 

	shrubs or trees; NOT [herbs]
	plants NOT climbing
	plants with erect stems; NOT [plants with decumbent stems]
	leaves simple; NOT [leaves pinnately compound]
	leaves wider; NOT [leaves linear, 2.5-7 mm long]
	leaves silver or brownish scurfy; NOT [leaves aromatic, not silvery or brownish scurfy]
	leaves deciduous; NOT [leaves evergreen]
	flowers with only one floral ring, with sepals but not petals
	flowers NOT in catkins or aments; NOT [male flowers, at least, in catkins or aments]
	fruit WITHOUT a feathery style; NOT [fruit with a persistent feathery style]
	fruit fleshy when ripe; NOT [fruit dry when ripe]