Silky Dogwood

Other names

Red Willow, Swamp Dogwood

Growth habit

Shrub

Native distribution

Native to the Finger Lakes Region, MA to GA, West to NY and TN

Cultivation

Moist to dry, full sun to part shade. It is adaptable to different soil types but prefers wetlands.

Propagation

Remove pulp, store warm-moist, then cold-moist stratify for 60- 90 days. Sow at 70 degrees.

Biocultural value

Combined with other plants, the roots were used in a strong tea for painful urination. It was also used as a laxative and emetic.

Wildlife value

Important food for wildlife.

Location

Houston and Grossman Ponds, Mundy Wildflower Garden, Purvis Road Wetlands Natural Area

Source of plant

Mount Cuba Center, Princeton Nurseries, Ruth Nix

Description

Plants 6' to 10' in height and spread. Rounded, multi-stemmed shrub, usually twiggy and round-topped in youth, becoming open with age, often straggly, unkempt, and without ornamental appeal. Fall colorusually green to brown, although it can be reddish purple, but is not spectacular. Young branches reddish purple, sometimes greenish; older wood is brownish purple and develops fissured areas.

USDA Hardiness Zone

5

Special characteristics

bark, winter interest