Also known as Kinnikinnik · Red-Willow · Silky Cornel
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum) is a multi-stemmed shrub known for its attractive white flowers, blue fruit, and reddish-purple stems in winter.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
50% intensity
Thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade. More sun generally leads to denser flowering and better fall color.
Consistent Moisture
75% intensity
Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water regularly, especially during establishment and dry periods.
Adaptable, prefers moist, well-drained soil
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerant of a wide range of temperatures. Suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8.
Low Maintenance
25% intensity
Generally does not require regular fertilization. Amend soil with compost if nutrient-deficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Silky Dogwood thrives in consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells and the first year after planting.
Aim for deep watering rather than frequent shallow sprinkles to encourage strong root development. Avoid waterlogged conditions, as this can lead to root rot.
Prune Silky Dogwood in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. You can also prune to shape the shrub or to improve air circulation.
For suckering species, prune to control spread and maintain desired form.
Silky Dogwood can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in early summer or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in mid-summer. It can also be propagated from seed, though germination may be slow and require stratification.
Division of suckering plants is another effective method.
Repotting is primarily for container-grown plants. Young plants may need repotting every 1-2 years as they outgrow their containers. Choose a pot one size larger and use a well-draining potting mix.
Ensure the root ball is loosened slightly before repotting to encourage new root growth.
Identify plants like this with ePlant AI
Snap a photo to get care tips and match similar species on the go.
Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Species | Cornus amomum |
Similar in genus Cornus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
