Silky Dogwood Seedlings - Cornus Amomum

The Cornus amomum, known across eastern North America as the silky dogwood, is a deciduous shrub found in moist, lowland conditions. The silky dogwood can reach up to 12 feet in height, blooming in the mid-summer months with its distinctive yellowy white flower. The seedlings of this shrub need to be placed in wet, but well-drained, soils. The seedlings will survive in partial sunlight but are best placed in partial, to nearly full, shade.

For cultivation purposes, the silky dogwood seedlings should be planted with several inches of mulch, shading roots from the summer heat, and preventing moisture evaporation. The branches of the growing shrub will need trimming. They are prone to droop towards the ground where they can take root, forming dense thickets. In the late summer, usually around August, the flowers of the silky dogwood transform into pearly, blue drupes that resemble berries. The berries aren't for human consumption but are a feast for bird-lovers, attracting an assortment of avian friends. The silk dogwood seedlings aren't known for their decorative or ornamental qualities, but are a great addition to wetland vistas, and are helpful in combatting the erosive nature of streams and ponds.

Apart from the spring flowers and summer fruits, the silky dogwood has 3 and a half-inch, oval leaves that remain a medium-green hue throughout the year. The veins of the dogwood's leaves have a distinct and noticeable curve, as well. This shrub isn't known for its vibrant fall colors but in certain regions can take on a burgundy tint in late autumn, before losing its leaves. The back of the shrub's leaves, lined with a velvety layer of hair, gives this dogwood its silky reputation. The reddish stems and branches do add a small dose of color to the dogwood's appearance.

The silky dogwood seedling will also require daily watering until the shrub takes root. At that point, the hearty dogwood will usually thrive on its own.