Some facts about Silky Dogwood, Cornus amomum:
Habitat: This medium-sized deciduous shrub is native to eastern North America, flourishing in moist areas like wetlands, stream banks, and floodplains. It ranges from Newfoundland to Ontario, south to Florida and Mississippi.
Description: Silky Dogwood lives up to its name with silky hairs on its young twigs and undersides of leaves. It typically reaches 6-12 feet tall with an open, rounded form.
Flowers: In late spring to early summer, tiny yellowish-white flowers with showy white bracts bloom in flat-topped clusters, attracting butterflies and bees.
Fruit: The blooms give way to attractive, porcelain-blue fruit in late summer, making it a food source for birds.
Bark: New growth boasts bright red stems in fall, winter, and early spring, adding a touch of winter color to the landscape. As the stems mature, they turn brown and develop fissures.
Growth Rate: Silky Dogwood has a moderate to fast growth rate, reaching 1-3 feet per year.
Wetland Benefits: This dogwood is a valuable addition to natural landscapes as it helps with soil stabilization and erosion control along stream banks.
Wildlife: Silky Dogwood provides food and habitat for butterflies, bees, and birds, making it a great choice for wildlife gardens.
Planting: If you're looking to cultivate this dogwood in your yard, it thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic to slightly acidic soils in full sun to part shade.
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