“Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum)” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Toni Genberg
The Basics
Zones 4-8
Sun to light Shade
Moist to wet soil
3′-10′ high by 3′-6′ wide
This suckering shrub is the perfect solution for an eroding streamside or a wet area in the landscape. It grows from 6 to 12 feet high and wide, full sun to part shade. It prefers moist to wet soil. It has a showy white blossoms in early summer, followed by silvery-blue berries.
Ornamental characteristics of Silky Dogwood
The stems can be as brilliant red as those of red-twig dogwood. In fact, sometimes at first glance, the ID of the two can be confused. Cut a mature stem of the shrub — if the interior is brown, you’ve got silky dogwood. The young twigs of silky dogwood are densely hairy.
The white flowers are attractive in spring, and are followed by dense heads of blue berries.
Ecosystem Value of Silky Dogwood
Pollinators of all kinds will visit the flowers. It attracts a variety of predatory insects, making it valuable for biological control. Songbirds of many species feed upon the plentiful berries.
Using Silky Dogwood in the Landscape
The shrub itself is tolerant to Deer, Erosion, Wet Soil, Clay Soil, and Black Walnut. It roots easily if the branches touch the ground and will form a thicket readily. Use it in a rain garden, a hedgerow, for screening or naturalization.
Native Range
map courtesy of https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/plant/Swida-amomumIf you have a moist or wet area you are looking to fill, this is the plant for you! Stop in today!
