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Silky Dogwood

Cornus amomum subsp. obliqua

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Category
Tree / Shrub / Vine
Sun
Full to Partial
Soil moisture
Wet to Medium
Bloom time
Jun–Jul
Bloom color
White

About Silky Dogwood

Silky Dogwood is a versatile, multi-stemmed shrub that brings both beauty and functional value to wet or riparian landscapes. Reaching heights of six to ten feet, it is distinguished by its reddish-purple young twigs and clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that bloom in early summer (June and July). These blooms give way to unique, porcelain-blue berries that are highly sought after by a variety of birds, including cedar waxwings and wood ducks. Native to much of the eastern and central United States, it is typically found in marshes, streambanks, and wet meadows, where its dense growth provides excellent cover and nesting sites for wildlife. This shrub is an exceptional choice for erosion control and wetland restoration projects due to its ability to grow quickly and tolerate saturated soils. It performs best in full sun to partial shade and requires medium to wet moisture levels.

Native range

Native to 28 states:

AlabamaConnecticutD.C.DelawareFloridaGeorgiaIowaIllinoisIndianaKentuckyMassachusettsMarylandMaineMichiganMissouriMississippiNorth CarolinaNew HampshireNew JerseyNew YorkOhioPennsylvaniaRhode IslandSouth CarolinaTennesseeVirginiaVermontWest Virginia

County range map

BONAP county-level native range map for Cornus amomum subsp. obliqua

Range map courtesy of BONAP (Biota of North America Program).

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