Silky Dogwood

A member of the Cornaceae botanic family, the Silky Dogwood Shrub is a medium—to large-sized deciduous shrub. Native to the eastern and central parts of the United States and Canada, this foliage thrives in moist conditions. It will generally extend to a size of eight feet or higher and produce clusters of creamy white flowers in the spring. 

Silky Dogwood Has Stunning Red Stems

The silky dogwood grows open and rounded and produces multiple stems. It showcases dark green leafy foliage throughout the year, complete with dark, reddish-colored stems. Its leaves are elliptically shaped and reach a length of two to three and a half inches and a width of three-quarters to two inches. Each has an abruptly tapered tip and rounded base. As fall nears, this unique shrub's leaves will transition from dark green to burgundy. 

The Stunning White Blooms Of Silky Dogwood

This shrubbery blooms in springtime with clusters of white, creamy flowers. These uniquely attractive blooms take on a convex cluster shape that spans between one and two and a half inches. Each flower has four lance-like elongated triangular petals, complete with four sharp-like sepals.

Most flowers are three-eighths of an inch wide. The flower's four stamens are just as long as its petals and cluster around the bright green center style. Starting between August and September, this shrub will produce berry-like blue drupes. These are showcased in clusters and attract a wide variety of wildlife, including squirrels, hummingbirds, songbirds, and waterfowl. 

The shrub has many name variations, including Cornus Amomum, Pale type, Red Willow, Kinnikinnik, Cornel type, and Swamp type. Due to its unique abstract growth style, this shrub is best placed in naturalized sites or near wet areas. It can be highly effective for erosion control in a specific location.

Silky Dogwood Is Resistant To Diseases And Insects

Silky Dogwood isn't prone to any serious diseases or insect problems. You can expect it to flower in spring, produce berry-like fruit in the summer, and bare down to only deeply hued purple twigs in winter. It has a moderate growth rate of one to three feet per year.