Species › Plants › Silky Dogwood

Silky Dogwood

Cornus amomum

CommonPlant
Illustration of Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)

Silky Dogwood is a native multi-stemmed shrub of stream banks and wetland margins across eastern North America, growing 6–10 feet tall. It is named for the silky hairs on its leaves and young stems. Flat clusters of creamy-white flowers in spring give way to blue-white to pinkish berries on red stems in late summer. These berries are among the most heavily used bird foods in the eastern United States, making Silky Dogwood one of the top native shrubs for wildlife.

Habitat
Found along stream banks, wetland edges, and moist low areas across eastern North America.
Diet
Berries consumed by over 36 bird species including wood ducks, bluebirds, and cedar waxwings.
How common
Common

Best time to see a Silky Dogwood

The best time to see a Silky Dogwood is May–August, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 6,198 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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