Common Name: Silky Dogwood, Swamp Dogwood, Pale Dogwood
Specific Name: Swida Amomum
Known Occurrence at Taylor Point:
Map areas: Beach 1E
Category: Native, Shrub
Ecological Considerations:
Swida Amomum, commonly known as silky dogwood is a large native shrub, often 6-10 feet in height. The growth habit is upright rounded, but where stems are in contact with the ground, roots are formed. This behavior creates thickets. Young dogwoods have bright red stems in the fall, winter and early spring, which turn reddish-brown in the summer. Silky dogwood has a brown pith in 1-2 year old stems, dark green ovate leaves, yellowish-white flowers which bloom in mid-June, and bluish colored fruit which matures in September.
Invasive plants at Taylor Point that may possibly be replaced successfully by this plant:
Morrow’s Honeysuckle
Propagation Mechanisms/Strategies for Encouraging its Establishment:
Best Planting Practices/Options and Pros and Cons of Options:
Silky Dogwood is best grown in full sun in moist areas. It is tolerant of soil pH. Silky Dogwood is often considered short-lived.
Key Issues Regarding its Ecology ( e.g. Which Invasives Threaten it, What Conditions Favor it):
Associated Ecological Benefits:
Fruit is loved by many small birds and waterfowl.
Availability of Locally Sourced Seeds and Plants:
Availability information not found.
Case Studies of Native Plant Establishment Efforts/Lessons Learned:
Additional photos:
Sources cited:
Search at Rhode Island Native Plant Guide
USDA Factsheets
Plants for a Future
Wildflower.org
Key Words:
Native
Shrub
Silky Dogwood
Swamp Dogwood
Pale Dogwood
Swilda amomum