The silky dogwood (Cornus obliqua), also known as the blue-fruited dogwood is found throughout Iowa except in the northwest region of the state. It is a perennial shrub, grows 3-10 ft. tall, and has purplish twigs.
Habitat: Found along streamsides, shorelines, and bottomland woods.
Hardiness: Zones 4 through 8
Growth Rate: Moderate
Mature Shape: Rounded
Height: 6-10 feet
Width: 6-10 feet
Site Requirements: Wide range of soils and moisture
Flowering Dates: May - July
Seed Dispersal Dates: September
Seed Bearing Age: 3 years
Seed Bearing Frequency: Yearly
Seed Stratification: No stratification period is needed.
Flowers are white, 4-parted; inflorescence 1 ½ – 2 ½ inches, compact, flat, branched cluster and blooms in May-June. The leaves are opposite, ovate-oval and 1-5 inches long.
