Silky Dogwood is a hardy, spreading shrub that grows in moist habitats, mostly by stream banks and wet lowlands in the eastern U.S. While attractive, its ability to draw wildlife to it is also a very strong attribute. It is a medium-size shrub, growing up to ten feet tall and wide, adaptable to a wide range of sun, water and soil conditions. It will colonize from runners, if allowed to, and low branches touching the soil can even root in. The young stems are reddish and turn gray as they mature. Leaves are single, opposite, ovate, pointed, with the curved veins typical of the genus. Two-inch, flat-topped clusters of small, white flowers bloom in May and June followed by dainty indigo-colored fruit in September. Silky Dogwood is an excellent choice for a moist, naturalized area close to windows or frequently visited sites as it attracts a very broad range of birds to feed on its caterpillars in summer and its fruit in fall.
NURSERY HOURS
Thursday: 10-6, Friday – Saturday: 10-4, Sunday: 12-4
Cornus amomum
Key Info
Scientific Name: Cornus amomum Mill.
Common Names: Silky Dogwood, Red Willow, Silky Cornel, Squawbush, and Indigo Dogwood.
Family Names: Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)
Plant Type: Tree / Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Flower Color: Creamy white
Special Characteristics: Showy fruit, Attracts bees, Good wildlife cover/habitat, Attracts butterflies, Attracts birds, Tolerates wet conditions, Rhizomatous
Additional Info
Habit: Multi-stemmed, suckering, small to medium shrub with rounded form.
Height: 6' to 10'
Spread: 6'-10'
Soil Conditions: Average to wet; pH acid, neutral, or basic; can grow in sandy, loamy or heavy clay soils
Leaves: Leaves are simple, opposite, oval, with pointy tips, 2 to 4 inches long; veins are curved, margins entire, and the leaves are green above and lighter below. Fall color is reddish.
Flowers (or reproductive structures: Flat-topped, 2- inch clusters of small, perfect, white flowers (petal-like bracts seen on Florida Dogwood are absent on this species).
Fruit: White, berry-like drupes turn blue when ripe in the fall.
Natural Distribution: Floodplains, wetlands, streambanks, pond banks, clearings.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 5 to 8
USDA Wetland Indicator Status in NC: FACW
Pollination: Bees, butterflies, other insects
Wildlife Connections: Attracts large numbers of insects which in turn draw birds. Birds observed, for insects, berries or cover/habitat: wild turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, pheasant, common flickers, red-headed, downy, and pileated woodpeckers, kingbirds, brown thrashers, robins, wood thrushes, bluebirds, cedar waxwings, and purple finches, wood ducks, American woodcocks, ray cat birds and gold finches. It is also host plant for the spring azure butterfly. (Illinoiswildflowers.info)
Propagation: From seed.
Southeastern Native Plant Nursery and Landscaping
Our Hours
Thursday: 10-6
Friday and Saturday: 10-4
Sunday: 12-4
Sunday: 12-4
And by appointment
Rachel’s Native Plants is located at The Plant
© COPYRIGHT 2023 RACHEL’S NATIVE PLANTS