Research conducted and descriptions written by Burley Middle School 6th grade students in 2023 with minor editing by RCA staff.
The Cornus amomum, more commonly known as silky dogwood or red willow, is a flowering shrub/bush that blooms in May or June. In full maturity it has a height up to 10 feet and spreads of over 8 feet. It has beautiful white flowers and blue fruit that attracts birds, insects, and rodents. The ideal habitat for the silky dogwood is in wetlands, swamps, and along streams and ponds. The silky dogwood is tolerant to deer, erosion, and different soil conditions. The silky dogwood bark has many medicinal properties and is used in tea to treat chronic diarrhea, chest congestion, and more.
Fun fact: The silky dogwood is the largest larval host of the spring azure butterfly. It got its name from the silky hairs on the undersides of its leaves.