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

	shrub or small tree; NOT [low undershrub]
	plant bearing long thorns; NOT [plant without thorns]
	leaves oblong; NOT [leaves oval]
	leaves silvery on both sides; NOT [leaves green and nearly glabrous above, silvery below]

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

	leaves opposite; NOT [leaves alternate]
	flowers unisexual (plant dioecious) ; NOT [flowers perfect]
	stamens 8; NOT [stamens 4]

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]