CORNUS AMOMUM / SILKY DOGWOOD

CORNUS AMOMUM / SILKY DOGWOOD

A Native Shrub with Fragrant Flowers and Wildlife Value

Cornus amomum, commonly known as Silky Dogwood, is a native deciduous shrub admired for its clusters of fragrant white flowers in late spring, followed by blue berries that attract birds. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with moist to wet soils, Silky Dogwood adds texture, color, and ecological benefits to riparian zones, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Its multi-stemmed form provides habitat and cover for wildlife while enhancing seasonal interest.

Why Choose Silky Dogwood?

Pollinator & Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract bees and butterflies; berries feed birds.
Wetland Tolerant: Thrives in moist to wet soils, ideal for pond edges, stream banks, and rain gardens.
Ornamental Flowers & Berries: White blooms in spring and blue fruits in summer add visual interest.
Low Maintenance: Hardy, adaptable, and long-lived once established.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves turning reddish-purple in fall.
Flower Color: Clusters of fragrant white blooms in late spring.
Fruit Color: Blue berries in summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 6–12 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 4–8.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Moist to wet soils; tolerates loam, clay, and sandy conditions.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 6–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 4–8.
Flowering: Late spring with fragrant white blooms.
Fall Interest: Reddish-purple foliage and ornamental berries.

Ideal Uses:

Wetlands & Riparian Landscapes: Perfect for stream banks, pond edges, and moist naturalized areas.
Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: Supports bees, butterflies, and birds.
Borders & Naturalized Plantings: Adds structure, texture, and seasonal interest.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Hardy, adaptable, and long-lived once established.

Silky Dogwood is a versatile and ecologically valuable native shrub. Its fragrant flowers, colorful berries, and moisture tolerance make it an excellent choice for wetlands, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes.