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Description
Cornus Amomum, also known as Silky Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Cornaceae family. It is native to North America and can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide. The plant is multi-stemmed with a spreading habit and has green stems with dark green leaves. Cornus Amomum produces small white flowers in the summer, followed by blue-black berries in the fall. The plant is a great addition to any garden as it is low-maintenance and attracts birds with its berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
The Cornus Amomum has a unique appearance. The plant has green stems with a smooth texture and can grow up to 10 feet tall and wide. The leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and about 3-5 inches long. In the fall, the leaves turn a bright red color, providing a beautiful display of autumn foliage. The plant produces small white flowers in the summer, followed by blue-black berries in the fall. The berries add an attractive touch to the plant and are a great food source for birds.
Care Guide
Cornus Amomum is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips to keep your plant healthy:
- Water: Water the plant regularly, especially during hot and dry weather. The plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the package.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including clay and sand.
- Sunlight: Cornus Amomum prefers partial shade to full sun. However, it can also tolerate full shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Cornus Amomum is hardy in zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cornus Amomum is generally free from pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew, which is a fungal disease that affects the leaves. Powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation around the plant and avoiding overhead watering. The plant can also be affected by scale insects, which can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Cornus Amomum is native to North America and can be found in wetlands, swamps, and along streams and rivers. The plant prefers moist soil and can tolerate acidic soil. It is a great plant for erosion control and is often used in riparian buffer zones to protect water quality. Cornus Amomum is also a great addition to gardens and landscapes as it attracts birds with its berries and provides beautiful autumn foliage.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cornus Amomum tolerate drought conditions?
A: Cornus Amomum can tolerate some drought, but it prefers moist soil. It is best to water the plant regularly during hot and dry weather.
Q: How tall can Cornus Amomum grow?
A: Cornus Amomum can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Cornus Amomum?
A: Cornus Amomum is hardy in zones 4-8.
Q: Does Cornus Amomum attract birds?
A: Yes, Cornus Amomum attracts birds with its blue-black berries.
Related Plants
- Cornus alba (Tatarian dogwood)
- Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)
- Cornus kousa (kousa dogwood)
- Cornus sericea (red-osier dogwood)
References
- “Cornus Amomum (Silky Dogwood).” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 August 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282415.
- “Cornus Amomum.” North Carolina State University. Accessed 22 August 2021. https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/all/cornus-amomum/.
- “Silky Dogwood.” The Morton Arboretum. Accessed 22 August 2021. https://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/silky-dogwood.
