Stewartia malacodendron, commonly known as Silky Camellia, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the understory of moist, acidic woodlands and along stream banks in the Southeastern United States. It typically grows 3–4.5 m (10–15 ft) tall but can reach heights of up to 9 m (30 ft) in ideal conditions. The Silky Camellia has a slow growth rate and features dark green, elliptical leaves that provide a lush backdrop for its flowers. The blooms, which appear in July and August in the northern part of its range and in April in the southern part, are solitary and borne from the leaf axils on short stalks. Each flower has five creamy-white petals, often with a purple base, and is surrounded by five green sepals, 8–11 mm long and 5–9 mm wide. The flowers are showy and fragrant, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Silky Camellia is valued for its beautiful, cup-shaped flowers and its ability to thrive in shaded conditions, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded borders. It requires acidic, well-draining soil and benefits from a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture. While it can be difficult to transplant and propagate, once established, it is relatively low maintenance. It is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, but root rot can occur in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0