Silky Dogwood

Cornus amomum

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Basic Information

Family: Cornaceae

Genus: cornus

Plant ID (slug): cornus-amomum

Numeric ID: 22846

USDA Hardiness: 4-8

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Cornus amomum is a deciduous Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower in July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Newfoundland to Ontario, south to Florida and Texas.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[105, 161, 177]. Said to be very good to eat[2]. The fruit is 8mm in diameter[235].

Medicinal Uses

Antiperiodic Astringent Diuretic Poultice Stimulant Stomachic VD The dried root-bark is antiperiodic, astringent, stimulant (mild), tonic[4]. The flowers are said to have similar properties[4]. A tea or tincture of the astringent root bark has been used as a quinine substitute and also in the treatment of chronic diarrhoea[4]. It has also been employed in the treatment of painful urination, chest congestion etc[257]. The bark was also used as a poultice on external ulcers and as a wash for gonorrhoea sores[4, 257]. The glycoside 'cornin' found in the bark has astringent properties[4]. The fruits are used as a bitter digestive tonic. A tincture of them has been used to restore tone to the stomach in cases of alcoholism[4].