Swida obliqua (Raf.) Moldenke

Locations ofSwida obliqua (Raf.) Moldenke in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Cornaceae
Botanical Name
Swida obliqua (Raf.) Moldenke
Common Name
Silky Dogwood
Synonym(s)
Cornus obliqua Raf.; Cornus amomum P. Mill. ssp. obliqua (Raf.) J.S. Wilson
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Cornus obliqua Raf.
Comments
This species is at the edge of its range in northern and western Virginia. Along the Potomac River in northern Virginia, some intergrades with Swida amomum appear to be present but "good" specimens of S. obliqua are also well represented. Such "good" specimens seem very distinct morphologically from S. amomum; however, these may prove to be better treated as subspecies of a broader S. amomum concept.

Flora of the Southeastern U.S. (Weakley et al. 2023) splits traditional Cornus into several genera (Chamaepericlymenum, Benthamidia, and Swida in our area) representing major clades in phylogenetic analysis. Even though Cornus treated broadly is monophyletic, the clades are also monophyletic and diverged millions of years ago, accorrding to Yu et al. (2017, PLOS One DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0171361) and Fu et al. (2019, Molec. Phylogen. & Evol. 140: 106601). As evolutionary lineages, these clades are far older than many groups treated by taxonomists as genera and clearly merit generic status.
Habitat
Frequently flood-scoured rocky river shores and outcrops. Rare in the mountains and n. Piedmont.
Native Status
Native

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