Silky Dogwood
Scientific Name: Cornus amomum
Category: plant
Brief Description
A multi-stemmed deciduous shrub featuring opposite leaves with distinct curved veins and twigs that often have a silky pubescence.
Characteristics
Leaves are simple, opposite, elliptic to ovate with entire margins and prominent arcuate (curving) veins that run roughly parallel to the leaf margin. Stems are typically reddish-brown with pith that is usually brown when mature.
Habitat
Wetlands, stream banks, pond margins, and moist thickets.
When to Find It
Spring through autumn; best observed when in leaf or bearing pale blue/light blue berries in late summer.
Conservation Status
Secure
Ecological Role
Provides important cover and food for numerous birds and mammals, and helps stabilize soil along stream banks.
Easily Confused With
Other dogwoods such as Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea), which has bright red stems and white pith.
Observation Tips
Look for them in damp, low-lying areas, paying close attention to the opposite leaf arrangement and curving leaf veins.
Interesting Facts
The specific epithet 'amomum' means 'like cardamom', referring to the spicy scent of the crushed bark.
User Notes
No note, just want to know what it is