Cornus amomum
Growing zones
See Zone Map >
3-8
Cornus amomum
Status: Out of stock
Product ID#: camom
Product Description
Fall Color
Red, Purple
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
White
Mature Plant Size (H x W)
6-8' x 6-8'
Silky Dogwood, also known as Cornus amomum or swamp dogwood, is a lively addition to your garden that promises beauty and biodiversity. With creamy-white flower clusters that butterflies adore and blue berries that birds can’t resist, this native gem transforms your landscape into a wildlife haven. As the berries ripen in late summer, they become a vital food source for many bird species.
Silky Dogwood's new stems start with a striking red-purple hue, maturing to a beautifully fissured brown. Dark green leaves turn a stunning reddish-purple in fall, providing a burst of color in every season. The silky hairs on the leaves add a unique texture and give this shrub its name.
Its ability to thrive in various light conditions—from full sun to full shade and even partial shade—makes it perfect for any spot in your garden.
This shrub excels in moist soils but adapts to a range of soil types, including clay. Its dense, multi-stemmed growth habit offers excellent erosion control, ensuring your garden stays lush and intact. Plus, Silky Dogwood can withstand occasional flooding and is resistant to root rot, making it a reliable choice for challenging areas.
Create a Wildlife Haven in Your Backyard With McKay Nursery Don’t miss out on adding the stunning Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) to your landscape. It’s perfect for erosion control and attracting wildlife.
As an employee-owned company with over 125 years of growing experience, McKay Nursery guarantees top-quality plants and expert advice. Transform your garden into a vibrant, natural paradise today. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 920-478-2121. Order now and experience the McKay difference.
Silky Dogwood's new stems start with a striking red-purple hue, maturing to a beautifully fissured brown. Dark green leaves turn a stunning reddish-purple in fall, providing a burst of color in every season. The silky hairs on the leaves add a unique texture and give this shrub its name.
Its ability to thrive in various light conditions—from full sun to full shade and even partial shade—makes it perfect for any spot in your garden.
This shrub excels in moist soils but adapts to a range of soil types, including clay. Its dense, multi-stemmed growth habit offers excellent erosion control, ensuring your garden stays lush and intact. Plus, Silky Dogwood can withstand occasional flooding and is resistant to root rot, making it a reliable choice for challenging areas.
Create a Wildlife Haven in Your Backyard With McKay Nursery Don’t miss out on adding the stunning Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) to your landscape. It’s perfect for erosion control and attracting wildlife.
As an employee-owned company with over 125 years of growing experience, McKay Nursery guarantees top-quality plants and expert advice. Transform your garden into a vibrant, natural paradise today. For more information, contact us at [email protected] or call us at 920-478-2121. Order now and experience the McKay difference.
Mature Plant Size (H x W):
6-8' x 6-8'
Key features
- Attracts Birds
- Deer Resistant
- Native
- Rain Gardens
- Walnut Toxicity Resistant
- Attracts Butterflies
- Attracts Pollinators
Planting Care
Planting & Care for Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
Preparation
- Silky Dogwood, Cornus amomum, is a common medium shrub found natively along streams and wet areas.
- The creamy white flower clusters (the nectar is a favorite of butterflies) appear in late spring and precede the bluish berry clusters.
- The red-purple stems, when young, later turn brown and fissured.
- The Silky Dogwood is another great candidate for renewal pruning to keep it looking fresh and colorful.
- The Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum is ideal for moist areas in wildlife borders, the home landscape and stream bank protection.
- Mature growth is around 6-10' tall and wide.
- Silky Dogwood Cornus amomum is ideal for moist areas in wildlife borders, the home landscape, and stream bank protection. Mature growth reaches around 6-10' tall and wide.
Opening Plant Material
- Bare Root: Cut open the bundle (top and roots are tied) and separate all the plants. Soak roots in buckets of water until planted. Each plant type will be labeled separately for identification. Do not expose the roots to full sun. They should never dry out. Keep roots covered. All bare-root plants must be trimmed when planted.
Planting Bare Root
- Plant Bare root in fall. A good indicator of whether you can still plant is if the ground is still workable, you’re good to go. If a hard frost is expected, be sure to hold off on planting.
- Dig a hole at least 6" wider and the same depth as the root mass. The crown or graft of the plant should be slightly higher than the ground level where it was grown at the nursery.
- Trim off the broken roots and branches.
- Place fertilizer packets in the hole (if purchased). Do not place other fertilizers in the planting hole. *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
- Spread the roots and fill halfway with soil, then water until the soil settles completely, saturating the soil and planting pit.
- Re-adjust the Silky Dogwood shrub and fill the hole with the rest of the soil.
- Backfill the balance of the soil and water well.
Pruning - After Planting
- Bare Root: Prune ALL bare root plants to reduce transplant shock and ensure success. Pruning should occur either before or as soon after planting as possible. All pruning should be done with sharp pruning shears.
Pruning - Through-out the Season
- Prune the Silky Dogwood late winter to early spring - Encourage bright red stems, annually, prune a third of the oldest stems to six inches, leaving strong young whips. Pruning will greatly improve this plant's overall shape and form throughout the years.
- Winter pruning to remove old stems and a light summer trim will keep it looking fresh.
Watering - After Planting
- Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
- Beyond the 6-week establishment period, water is used once per week unless rain occurs.
- Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Watering - Through-out the Season
- After the first season, Silver Dogwood cornus amomum plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
- How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If dry, give it a good soak with the hose end (no nozzle), watering the soil only, not the leaves.
- Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big do Silky Dogwood trees get?
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) typically grows as a medium to large shrub rather than a tree. Mature Silky Dogwoods can reach heights of 6-10 feet and spread just as wide, making them ideal for use as wildlife borders, home landscapes, and for stream bank protection.
How do I propagate Silky Dogwood Shrubs?
Silky Dogwood can be propagated through hardwood cuttings or seed. In January, take hardwood cuttings that are 1/4-1/2 inch in diameter and 9 to 12 inches long. Allow them to develop callus in refrigerated storage, then plant in mid-May in well-drained soil, 2 inches apart. Establish at approximately 2 inches exposed above ground level. Seeds can be collected from mature fruits, cleaned, and stratified before planting in the spring.
What are the common pests that affect Silky Dogwood?
Common pests that affect Silky Dogwood include dogwood borer, scale insects, and leaf miners. Dogwood borers tunnel into the stems, causing dieback and weakening the plant. Scale insects attach to stems and leaves, sucking sap and reducing vigor. Leaf miners create tunnels in the leaves, leading to unsightly damage. Regular inspection and appropriate pest control methods, such as insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, can help manage these pests.
What diseases are Silky Dogwood susceptible to?
Silky Dogwood is susceptible to diseases such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, and anthracnose. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves, reducing vigor. Leaf spot causes brown or black spots on the foliage, potentially leading to premature leaf drop. Anthracnose results in dark, sunken lesions on leaves and stems, which can cause dieback. Ensuring good air circulation, proper spacing, and avoiding overhead watering can help prevent these diseases.
What are good companion plants for Silky Dogwood?
Good companion plants for Silky Dogwood include other moisture-loving shrubs and perennials. These plants thrive in similar conditions and provide complementary textures and colors. Ferns and shade-tolerant grasses, such as sedges, can also enhance the planting area, adding a naturalistic and diverse landscape. Additionally, wildflowers can create a vibrant, wildlife-friendly garden.
Planting & Handling Help
Download our Planting and Handling Guide below to plan for a successful arrival and install of your plants. Be sure to water all plants as soon as they arrive and every day until you’re ready to plant. Keep any bare root bundles in a shady, cool spot with the roots covered at all times.
Learn More
Watch our videos on handling bare root plants, how your order is prepared for shipment and more.
Plant Sizing
What is the difference between Containers, Grow Bags, Bare Root, and Balled & Burlap (B&B)?
Shipping Times
Our FedEx and local shipping times depend on two factors, one is by the region and the second is the type of product being shipped. For example, small fruits are only shipped in spring, but majority of our perennials are shipped from spring until fall. Keep in mind the dates below act as a general guide. Due to unpredictable weather, staffing, inventory and industry demands these timelines can change. Therefore, we cannot guarantee any of these times.
Shipping Dates by Region*
Northern Cold Region: April 22nd - November 7th
Northern Region: April 15th - November 7th
Middle Region: April 1st - November 7th
Southern Region: March 15th - November 7th
Local Delivery (small radius from Waterloo, WI): April 22nd - November 7th
Shipping Dates by Season*
Spring Shipping: Region Start Date (above) - May
Fall Shipping: September - November
Due to unpredictable weather, these times may vary. Some varieties are exceptions due to heat and plant health reasons. Enter your shipping zip code at the top of this page and be sure to check the shipping information on each product before you add it to your cart. If the product is too large or restricted in your state, you will not be able to checkout with that item in your cart.