Cornus amomum, commonly known as Silky Dogwood, is a native deciduous shrub commonly found in wetlands, streambanks, floodplains, and moist woodland edges throughout Illinois and the eastern United States. It thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, riparian buffers, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
This multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. It features opposite, oval-shaped leaves with smooth edges and prominent veins. The stems and twigs have a reddish to purplish hue and are covered in fine, silky hairs—giving the plant its common name. In late spring to early summer, it produces flat-topped clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. These are followed by striking blue to bluish-white berries in late summer, which are highly sought after by birds and small mammals.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cornus amomum offers high ecological value and multi-season interest. It provides nectar for pollinators, berries for wildlife, and dense cover for nesting birds. Its root system also helps stabilize soil, making it a top choice for erosion control along waterways. Silky Dogwood pairs well with Buttonbush, Swamp Milkweed, and Elderberry in diverse, moisture-tolerant plantings.
Ask ChatGPT
Cornus amomum, commonly known as Silky Dogwood, is a native deciduous shrub commonly found in wetlands, streambanks, floodplains, and moist woodland edges throughout Illinois and the eastern United States. It thrives in moist to wet soils and prefers full sun to partial shade, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, riparian buffers, and wildlife-friendly landscapes.
This multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 6 to 10 feet tall and wide. It features opposite, oval-shaped leaves with smooth edges and prominent veins. The stems and twigs have a reddish to purplish hue and are covered in fine, silky hairs—giving the plant its common name. In late spring to early summer, it produces flat-topped clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that attract a variety of pollinators. These are followed by striking blue to bluish-white berries in late summer, which are highly sought after by birds and small mammals.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cornus amomum offers high ecological value and multi-season interest. It provides nectar for pollinators, berries for wildlife, and dense cover for nesting birds. Its root system also helps stabilize soil, making it a top choice for erosion control along waterways. Silky Dogwood pairs well with Buttonbush, Swamp Milkweed, and Elderberry in diverse, moisture-tolerant plantings.
Ask ChatGPT
Bloom: late spring toe early summer
Habitats: floodplains; moist woodland edges; streambanks; wetlands
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): shrub (6 to10 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: sandy
