Red Willow Cornus amomum

Silky dogwood is a native large to a medium-sized deciduous shrub in the Cornaceae (dogwood) family. It is native to central and the eastern part of the United States and parts of Canada and is typically found in swamp borders, wetlands, and near streams and ponds.  This shrub is multi-stemmed, open, and rounded and may grow 6 to 12 feet tall.

Clusters of creamy white flowers bloom in the spring followed by blue drupes that ripen late summer. The leaves and twigs have silky hairs. A distinctive feature of this shrub is the dark brown pith of 1 to 2-year-old stems and dark-reddish twigs.

The genus name, Cornus, is Latin from the word, cornu, which means "horn." This refers to the hardness of the wood. This shrub has several common names including swamp dogwood. This references its usual habitat. 

The silky dogwood prefers well-drained medium to wet acidic soils. It may be grown in full sun, partial shade, and even tolerates close to full shade. The roots need to be kept cool and moist during the summer. It is recommended that 2 to 4 inches of mulch be added to protect the plant's roots. If the shrub branches touch the ground they may form roots at the nodes. Thickets may result if the growth of the shrub is not controlled. The shrub also may be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or layering.

The creamy white clusters of blooms appear at the tips of the branches from May to June. The leaves are dark green, opposite, simple, pubescent, and acutely veined with a smooth margin. The berry-like drupes appear in drooping clusters from August to September and attract many birds. The twigs are usually dark reddish-purple with fine hairs. The older bark is smooth and gray.

This is a good shrub selection for moist to wet areas of the landscape. It is not overly ornamental and is somewhat wild and unkempt for placement in prominent areas. Consider the silky dogwood for moist woodlands, naturalized areas, or sites near streams/ponds. It is also effective for erosion control.

NC Native Shrub

Seasons of interest:   

Bloom: Spring           Fruit:  Summer             Twigs:  Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• open, rounded, medium-sized shrub
• silky hairs on the leaves and twigs
• creamy white clusters of flowers in the spring
• drupes ripen to dark blue in late summer
• dark-reddish purple twigs
• smooth gray bark
• dark brown pith in 1 to 2-year-old stems

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: The silky dogwood has no serious insects or disease problems. It may be susceptible to scale. Borers and leaf miners are potential pests. Leaf spot, crown canker, blights, root rot, and powdery mildew may occur. Thickets may form if the shrub is not maintained. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.