How to identify Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum)

How to identify Silky dogwood (Cornus amomum)

Silky dogwood, also known as Red willow, Squawbush

Silky dogwood is a mid-sized, deciduous shrub that grows typically to 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.7 meters) in height. It is characterized by multiple stems that form an open and rounded shape. The leaves and twigs are covered with fine, silky hairs, and during the spring, it boasts creamy white flower clusters. By late summer, it produces drupes that mature to a dark blue hue. The shrub's twigs are a distinctive dark-reddish purple, while its bark displays a smooth gray texture. Observation of older stems reveals a dark brown pith.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Silky dogwood

Greenish-purple to dark reddish-purple young twigs with fine hairs.

Creamy white flower clusters in flat-topped cymes up to 2.5 inches (6.35 cm).

Dark purple mature branches with vertical brown lenticels.

Elliptical to ovate leaves measuring 2 to 3.5 inches (5 to 9 cm) long.

Petite spherical drupes maturing from white to dark blue, approximately 1/4 inch (6 mm).

Detailed Traits of Silky dogwood

Leaf Features

The leaves of silky dogwood are simple and arranged in opposite pairs, exhibiting an elliptical to ovate shape with entire margins. Each leaf measures 2 to 3.5 inches (5 to 9 cm) long and 0.75 to 2 inches (2 to 5 cm) wide. The upper surface is dark green, while the underside is a paler green, both covered with short stiff hairs. In fall, the foliage can turn green, brown, or purplish-red, making them visually distinctive.

Leaf Shape

Ovate

Leaf Base

Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Fascicled

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The tiny creamy-white flowers of silky dogwood are arranged in flat-topped cymes up to 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) across. Each flower measures about 3/8 inch (0.95 cm) wide and features four petals, four sepals, and four long stamens. The flower stalks are adorned with silky hairs. Blooming occurs from May to June.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of silky dogwood exhibits young twigs that are greenish-purple to dark reddish-purple and covered with fine hairs. As the branches mature, they turn dark purple and feature vertical brown lenticels or pores. Stems older than one year have a brown pith. This coloration and texture distinction between young and older branches, along with the vertical lenticels, are key identifiers of silky dogwood.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of silky dogwood manifests as petite, spherical drupes, each roughly 1/4 inch (6 mm) in diameter. Initially presenting a hue of pale white, these fruits mature into a striking blue as the season progresses. They hang gracefully in clusters from stalks, which may appear with greenish to reddish tones. Such drupes become conspicuous in the landscape during the months of August and September, when they reach ripeness and exhibit their full coloration.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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