Audubon Native Silky Dogwood showing its white, x-shaped flowers and three varieties of native birds that benefit from the native Silky Dogwood
A closeup of the delicate, white, x-shaped blossoms of the native Silky Dogwood with dark green leaves in the background
The native Silky Dogwood planted in a landscape showing its dark green foliage and blue berries that the birds love
Native A map highlighting the locations where the Silky Dogwood can be found natively growing map for Silky Dogwood
Northern Cardinal perched on a tree branch
American Robin perched on a shrub
Gray Catbird perched on a bird feeder
Audubon Native Silky Dogwood showing its white, x-shaped flowers and three varieties of native birds that benefit from the native Silky Dogwood
A closeup of the delicate, white, x-shaped blossoms of the native Silky Dogwood with dark green leaves in the background
The native Silky Dogwood planted in a landscape showing its dark green foliage and blue berries that the birds love
Native A map highlighting the locations where the Silky Dogwood can be found natively growing map for Silky Dogwood
Northern Cardinal perched on a tree branch
American Robin perched on a shrub
Gray Catbird perched on a bird feeder

Audubon® Native Silky Dogwood

Bower & Branch Trees and Plants

Audubon® Plants for Birds: Cornus amomum

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This plant is not available at this time through Bower & Branch. We provide this plant profile for reference only. 

See below for alternative selections for purchase and inspiration!

FEATURES:

  • May Benefit & Attract: Thrushes, waxwings, wood warblers, finches, mockingbirds & thrashers, chickadees & titmice, orioles, cardinals & grosbeaks, crows & jays, sparrows, nuthatches, vireos, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, wrens, ducks, turkeys, and quails.
  • The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
  • This bird-friendly native trees provides food and shelter for local and migrating birds and other wildlife
  • All Audubon® branded trees are grown 100% Neonic-free by Bower & Branch, making these plants safer for the birds and safer for the environment.
  • Hand Selected, Fresh from the Grower
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Growth Facts

  • Hardiness Zone: 5-8
  • Mature Height: 6-12' tall
  • Mature Width: 6-12' wide
  • Exposure: Partial Shade/Shade
  • Spacing: 6-12' apart

Why plant Audubon® Native Silky Dogwood?

In late summer or early fall, you’ll look forward to the appearance of fruit on your Silky Dogwood. Each year, this fun native Accent produces a crop of jewel-tone berries that progress from porcelain-blue to cobalt as they ripen. You won’t enjoy the show for long, however, because as soon as they’re ready, a feeding frenzy will ensue! It has been estimated that the fatty, high-energy fruits are relished by at least 45 species of birds—among them, robins, cardinals, catbirds, and Cedar Waxwings. If you live in the country, ducks, turkeys, and quail will join in on the feast. An avian favorite.

Everyone knows about the famous Flowering Dogwood Tree and its beautiful blossoms and bird-pleasing fruits. But there are many other, lesser-known native Dogwoods that serve wildlife as well. Silky Dogwood is a shrubby cousin to Flowering Dogwood that is found all over the Northeast and Midwest. Silky Dogwood’s creamy-white flowers open in late spring. They aren’t as flashy as those of Flowering Dogwood, but they are more appealing to pollinators. All sorts of bees and other buzzing things will visit them. Silky Dogwood is also a host plant for the darling little spring azure butterfly. You may discover it laying eggs around the time the flowers bloom..

How to use Audubon® Native Silky Dogwood in the landscape?

The Silky Dogwood likes moisture at its feet, so it usually grows near ponds or wetlands. Likewise, it’s ideal for a pond’s edge or marshy area on your own property, or simply for a low spot in your yard that drains slowly. Grow it en masse for maximum wildlife appeal!

Planting Zones

Hardiness Zone: 5-8

How To Plant Audubon® Native Silky Dogwood

Turn a boring ditch into a wildlife oasis! Light shade rather than all-day sun is best for Silky Dogwood, especially when planting it in drier soils or in hot-summer areas. Given these conditions, this easygoing Accent is typically simple to maintain and trouble-free. It is a medium to fast grower.

How To Water

Just like in the wild, Silky Dogwood is happiest when it has access to constant moisture. If you don’t have a soggy spot in your garden, though, have no fear. With some irrigation during extended dry spells, it will still perform admirably.

How To Fertilize

Incorporate Elements Starter Plant food granular form into the soil when planting. If planting in spring or summer, start fertilizing late fall using Elements Starter Plant food granular form on an annual basis each late fall. Continue this for the first three years to get your plant well established.

How To Prune

Pruning in early spring (or at any point during the dormant period) encourages new growth to produce a denser plant. You can prune to maintain a desired shape as well - they respond well to pruning!


Customer Reviews

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Paul Dziengelewski
New Growth in 14 days!

We’re looking forward to watching our silky dogwood through the seasons. We planted the dogwood in a shady moist area of our yard. It looks good two weeks after transplanting!

Hi Paul!
Now THAT is something we love to hear :) We are very happy to hear the tree is happy in its new home! If you ever have any questions about it, please don't hesitate to reach out!
- Bower & Branch Plant Whisperers