Silky Dogwood
(Cornus amomum)
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
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Fritzflohrreynolds
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Fritzflohrreynolds
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Fritzflohrreynolds | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Fritzflohrreynolds | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Cornus_amomum_-_Silky_Dogwood.jpg | Notes: {{Location_dec|39.934536|-75.440809}} {{Information |Description=Closeup photograph of the flowers of a {{MultiLink|Mountain Laurel}} ({{BioLinkSpecies|Kalmia latifolia}}) cultivar. Photo taken [[:en:Tyler Arboretum|Tyler Arboretum]] where i
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cornus amomum, commonly known as Silky Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to wetland edges, stream banks, and moist forest areas in the Eastern United States. It typically grows up to 5 meters tall and spreads readily, often forming dense thickets. The shrub blooms between May and June, producing clusters of small, four-petaled, yellowish-white flowers that are moderately showy. Following the flowers, it bears bluish berries that are attractive to wildlife. The leaves are green, turning to a rusty brown in the fall, contributing to its seasonal interest.
Silky Dogwood is appreciated for its multi-season display, including spring flowers, summer foliage, and autumn color. It is used for erosion control, as a windbreak, and for creating natural borders. Its dense growth habit makes it suitable for wildlife conservation, providing shelter and food for birds and other animals. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil, making it ideal for planting in areas with wet conditions. It is adaptable to a range of soil drainage types, from fast to slow. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to dogwood anthracnose and borers if stressed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Silky Dogwood is appreciated for its multi-season display, including spring flowers, summer foliage, and autumn color. It is used for erosion control, as a windbreak, and for creating natural borders. Its dense growth habit makes it suitable for wildlife conservation, providing shelter and food for birds and other animals. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil, making it ideal for planting in areas with wet conditions. It is adaptable to a range of soil drainage types, from fast to slow. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to dogwood anthracnose and borers if stressed.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 6-12 feet
- Width: 6-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Street Planting, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wetland edges, stream banks, and moist forest areas
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: , Cornus amomum, Swida amomum, Cornus amomum var. amomum, Cornus caerulea, Thelycrania amomum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Cornus amomum Mill.