Swida amomum

Product Info

Silky Dogwood (Swida amomum)
Dogwood Family

Silky Dogwood is a high value wildlife plant. Abundant, creamy white flowers are visited by dozens of different pollinators, including several specialist native bees. Flowers are followed by navy blue fruits that are quickly eaten by a variety of birds. Leaves are a host plant to many different lepidoptera species, including the Spring Azure butterfly. This medium sized shrub is found naturally near wetland, streams, and swamps. It can tolerate close to full shade, but flowering will be better with more sun. If planted in more average to dry soil conditions, shadier conditions are recommended. Leaves turn attractive shades of red and orange in the fall. Newer stems are also a crimson red, adding to winter interest. Shrub will sucker freely in moist soils, providing critical thicket habitat for wildlife. Great for erosion control in wet areas. Heavily browsed by deer.

Blooms: White, 4-6 weeks, May-June
Leaves: Dark green, simple, 1-3”, ovate, red and orange fall color
Height: 8-12’ 
Space: 6-10’
Soil: Moist-Wet
Exposure:  Full sun-Part sun-Part shade
Fauna: High pollinator value--butterflies, bees, specialist bees, butterfly host plant, berries for birds and mammals
Seeds: Dark blue drupes form in fall and are a bird favorite
Deer Resistance: Medium
Zone: 5-8
Native Status: NC Native, common in the Mountains and Piedmont, uncommon in the Sandhills
Provenance: North Carolina ecotype, seed grown