Silky Dogwood

Cornus amomum - Silky Dogwood

Silky Dogwood is a flowering tree native to the Eastern United States‚ which blooms with white flowers and red berries‚ and is also known for the color of its foliage․ It has numerous additional uses‚ including erosion control and wildlife habitat․

Physical Description of Silky Dogwood

It is a medium-sized shrub around 120 inches (300 cm) tall‚ spreading to the same width‚ with erect-spreading‚ arching branches and dark green‚ alternate leaves that are silky on the underside of the ovate leaves‚ giving rise to part of the common name silk tree․ These leaves turn a brilliant reddish-purple in fall‚ near the end of October․ The flowers are tiny and white‚ and they bloom in the spring of 2024 or June․ Bright red drupe is the fruit‚ which is eaten by birds and other wildlife․

The Dogwood Growing Conditions

Preferring moist‚ well-drained soils‚ full sun to partial shade‚ once established the tree can tolerate wet soils․ The tree is widely used for wetland restoration and slope stabilization‚ when it is maintained as a shrub․ It is also deer-resistant‚ and so can be grown where deer are numerous․

Uses and Benefits

It has many uses․ One of its most important potential uses is as a mechanism to control erosion of the land because of its deep roots‚ and its ability to thrive in areas that are prone to breakdown․ This shrub is sometimes planted for the control of erosion on slopes․ The plant also provides habitat for wildlife‚ as birds and other creatures consume the red berries․

They Have Several Medicinal Properties

Tannins present in the bark can be used as an astringent to help treat diarrhea‚ dysentery‚ and other intestinal conditions․ The roots can be made into tea‚ which is said to have a soothing effect on the body․ The Silky Dogwood is often planted in landscape settings‚ either by itself or in mass plantings․ As a low-maintenance shrub‚ it does not require much pruning․ This makes it suitable for use in residential landscaping with light gardening activity․

This Is How Your Plants Will Look upon Delivery

Plant bare-root shrubs during the more excellent spring or fall months, from November through April. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root system and slightly more profound than its height. Position the shrub so that the top of the roots is level with the ground, and put back the soil dug over the roots. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds, ensuring the mulch does not touch the shrub's stem. Water regularly, especially during the first year, to establish strong roots. Prune shrubs as needed to promote healthy growth. In the spring, fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer suited to the specific needs of the shrub.

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