Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)

In addition to the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) which produces large individual flowers. several Cornus species that produce flowerheads of small flowerlets grow in this area. It’s possible that at least two of these latter dogwoods grow at Fort Yargo State Park. They grow along the lake shore (segments 2 and 9). These areas are accessible from the water and either not easily accessible or inaccessible from the land side. Both areas are in the shade in the morning when I normally row so it’s been difficult to photograph them. I have some photographs of the plants growing along segment 2.

I believe these are Cornus amomum which is known by the common names Silky Dogwood, Bush Dogwood, Silky Cornel. Unfortunately, I thought I was going to be able to walk up to these shrubs while the lake level was lowered for construction work this Spring. Unfortunately, most of the shrubs along the lake shore were cut back to ground level. I’ll have to try for photographs again next year if they grow back.

A young flowerhead with a friend (Common Buckeye, Junonia coenia)

Flower head.

Close up of flowerlets

October. .Berries are white

Close up of white berries. Later the berries will turn purple.

Cornus amomum (Silky Dogwood) is native to the eastern United States.
Click on an image to view a larger image

Distribution Map:
- United States Department of Agriculture Plants Database: Cornus amomum (Silky Dogwood)
- University of North Carolina Herbarium: Cornus amomum

Identification resources:
- Southeastern Flora: Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)

Related posts:
- 2010: Year Of The Wildflower - Wildflower Index