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Silky dogwood is a medium-sized deciduous shrub that is typically found in moist lowland areas, swamp borders, floodplains, shrub wetlands, and along streams and ponds in Eastern North America. Twigs and leaf undersides have silky hairs, hence the common name. This dogwood typically grows to 6-12’ tall with an open-rounded form. Tiny yellowish-white flowers in flat-topped clusters bloom in late spring to early summer. Flowers give way to attractive berry-like drupes that change from white to blue as they ripen in late summer (August).
Birds are attracted to the fruit. Oval to elliptic, medium green leaves (2-5” long) have conspicuous veins. Attractive fall color is usually absent. Twigs are purplish brown in spring, and have a distinctive brown pith.
Price range: $29.99 through $39.99
Please note: Most pictures represent mature plants. Unless otherwise specified, all of our plants are sold in 4″ pots to make shipping possible and will mature in time.
Learn more about how the process works and how our plants are delivered.
| Native | |
|---|---|
| Wetland Indicator | |
| Sunlight | |
| Special Attributes | |
| Moisture | |
| Bloom Period | March to April |
| Size | 2 Gallon, 3 Gallon, 5 Gallon |
Cornus amomum (Silky Dogwood) is a beautiful and ecologically valuable native deciduous shrub that brings year-round interest, wildlife benefits, and natural beauty to residential landscapes, restoration projects, and ecological plantings. Native to the eastern United States, Silky Dogwood is commonly found growing along stream banks, wetland edges, woodland margins, floodplains, and other moist natural habitats. This adaptable native shrub thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and is an excellent choice for rain gardens, bioswales, riparian buffers, shoreline stabilization, and naturalized landscape designs.
In late spring to early summer, Cornus amomum produces attractive clusters of creamy white flowers that provide nectar and pollen for native pollinators and other beneficial insects. These flowers develop into distinctive blue to blue-white berries in late summer and fall, offering an important food source for songbirds and other wildlife. Its dense, spreading growth habit provides valuable nesting cover, shelter, and habitat for birds and small animals, making it an excellent addition to wildlife gardens and biodiversity-focused landscapes. Silky Dogwood is also recognized for its attractive reddish-brown to purple stems, which provide visual interest throughout the dormant winter season.
With its ability to tolerate periodically flooded conditions, help stabilize soil, and contribute to healthy native ecosystems, Cornus amomum is a particularly useful shrub for erosion control, streambank restoration, wetland enhancement, and sustainable landscaping projects. Its natural adaptability and wildlife-supporting characteristics make it a wonderful alternative to non-native ornamental shrubs, especially in landscapes designed to support local biodiversity. Whether incorporated into a native shrub border, rain garden, woodland edge, habitat restoration project, or naturalized planting, Silky Dogwood is a versatile and beneficial native plant that combines ornamental appeal with meaningful ecological value. Add Cornus amomum to your landscape to support native wildlife, attract pollinators, improve habitat, and create a more resilient, environmentally friendly outdoor space.
