Cornus amomum (Silky Dogwood)

A genuinely juglone-tolerant streambank workhorse, silky dogwood pairs a specialized bee relationship and larval/nectar host role for the Spring and Summer Azure butterflies with real heat, drought, and soil compaction tolerance - a versatile choice from wetland edges to difficult urban sites.

Species Overview

Cornus amomum, commonly known as silky dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to the eastern United States. It thrives in moist to wet soils, often found along streambanks, wetlands, and lowland forests. This multi-stemmed shrub typically grows 6 to 12 feet tall, with spreading branches that form a dense thicket. In late spring to early summer, it produces small clusters of creamy white flowers, followed by distinctive blue to bluish-white drupes in late summer.

Application

• Streambank and wetland restoration - excellent for erosion control
• Naturalized landscapes and difficult urban or compacted sites
• Pollinator habitat, including specialized Andrena bee species
• Larval and nectar host habitat for Spring Azure and Summer Azure butterflies
• Sites near black walnut, given confirmed juglone tolerance

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Well-drained medium to wet acidic soils; adapts to a variety of soil types including clay
• Drought Tolerance: High - heat, drought, and soil compaction tolerant
• Flood Tolerance: High - A wetland-associated dogwood commonly found along stream banks, in wet thickets, and swamp margins; tolerates periodic flooding.
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 6-12 ft.
• Fall Color: Red, Purple
• Bloom Color / Period: White; May-June
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACW (Facultative Wetland)
• Native Range: Central and eastern United States and parts of Canada
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Growth Rate: Rapid
• Shade Tolerance: Tolerant
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed/Thicket-forming
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 4-8
• Deer Resistance: Some - see flags
• Pollinator Value: Larval host, supports bees, supports butterflies
• Juglone Tolerance: Tolerant