Silky Dogwood
Deciduous shrub growing 1.5-3 m tall. Features opposite, elliptical leaves and flat-topped clusters of white flowers in late spring, followed by blue or whitish fruits. Young stems often have a reddish color. Prefers moist to wet soils and full sun to partial shade. Tolerates occasional flooding. Provides food and cover for wildlife. Useful for erosion control along streams. Suitable for naturalized areas and wetland margins.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: White
Bloom Time: Late-Spring to Early-Summer
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Moist to Wet
Phenology: Leaves emerge mid-May. White flower clusters appear June. Blue fruits mature August-September. Purple-red fall color develops October. Red-brown stems visible in winter.
Wildlife Value: High value wildlife shrub; berries eaten by many bird species; flowers attract native bees; excellent cover and nesting habitat
Habit Over Time: Forms a broad, suckering shrub that spreads through underground stems to create thickets. New stems emerge regularly from the ground, creating a dense base that opens up higher in the plant. While it can spread assertively, it's useful for stabilizing slopes or creating wildlife-friendly barriers. The open structure above allows views through at eye level.
Height: Medium to Tall (6-12 feet)