Silky Dogwood

Silky dogwood is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub native to eastern North America. Its softly hairy young twigs and leaf undersides frame flat clusters of white flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by blue fruits on reddish stalks. ## Form and Wildlife Plants commonly reach about 6–10 feet tall and 6–12 feet wide, though mature size varies with growing conditions. The berries are used by birds, and the shrub naturally occupies wet ground along streams, ponds, and other low areas. [USDA NRCS](https://plants.sc.egov.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/factsheet/pdf/fs_coam2.pdf) · [Missouri Department of Conservation](https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/swamp-dogwood-silky-dogwood) ## Siting Grow in full sun to part shade with consistent moisture. Silky dogwood is well suited to rain gardens, stream edges, and naturalized hedges where its spreading habit can be accommodated. Missouri references describe it in zones 5–8; local provenance and site conditions affect performance. [Missouri Extension](https://extension.missouri.edu/media/wysiwyg/Extensiondata/CountyPages/Webster/Docs/2018-07-19_Missouri_Native_Plants-DebraRainey-screen.pdf) ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry spells. The plant may spread by basal shoots; remove unwanted suckers to keep it within bounds, or allow colonies to develop in naturalized areas.