Silky Dogwood
Cornus amomum
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Pl. 36FA — Cornus amomum
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IOverview
Overview
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) is a shrub native to the eastern United States, found in states such as Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida. Known for its edible fruit, it thrives in moist soil with a pH between 5 and 7, making it adaptable to various conditions. This plant prefers light to partial shade and can grow up to 3 meters tall. Its native range extends from Maine to Georgia and westward to Illinois, where it plays an important role in local ecosystems. One distinctive feature of Silky Dogwood is its silky white hairs on the stems and leaves, giving it a soft appearance.
Quick answers
What is Silky Dogwood?
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) is a shrub native to the eastern United States, found in states such as Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, and Florida. Known for its edible fruit, it thrives in moist soil with a pH between 5 and 7, making it adaptable to various conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Silky Dogwood thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist, well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 4-8 and grows up to 3 meters tall as a shrub. For propagation, use cuttings or seeds. The fruit is edible and can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
4-8
Habit
Shrub
Mature size
3.0 m tall
Soil pH
5–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Silky Dogwood for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Silky Dogwood in a sunny to partially shaded spot, and you'll have a low-maintenance shrub that will thrive.
- 1
What you'll need
Silky Dogwood saplings or seeds, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5 and 7. Amend heavy clay soils with sand for better drainage.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings in spring, or sow seeds in fall directly where they will grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide light watering during dry spells. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to remove dead or weak branches, promoting healthy growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Silky Dogwood's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the fruits are harvested when ripe and consumed fresh, though they may also be dried for later use.
Other uses:Teeth
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
29 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
29 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 29 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Massachusetts, Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode I., South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Masachusettes, Kentucky
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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