Horticulture/Cornus amomum

The Swamp Dogwood (Cornus amomum) is a shrub native to eastern North America, commonly found in wetlands and along streambanks. It is rarely planted in gardens, but is useful for stabilizing stream and river banks.

Other common names include: Kinnikinnik, Silky Cornel, Blueberry Cornel, Red Osier, Redbrush, Red Willow, Rose Willow and Squaw Bush.

Description
A large, suckering shrub with dark reddish bark.

Growing Conditions
Wet soils, but not in standing water.

Uses
Used to anchor stream banks and for bird and wildlife habitat. Generally a bit wild for garden situations unless regularly cut to the ground to maintain a neat form.

Maintenance
Tolerates cutback cultivation.

Propagation
Propagated by stakes.