Swida sericea (L.) Holub

Locations ofSwida sericea (L.) Holub in Virginia

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Detail

Family
Cornaceae
Botanical Name
Swida sericea (L.) Holub
Common Name
Red-osier Dogwood
Synonym(s)
Cornus stolonifera Michaux; Cornus sericea L.; Cornus sericea L. ssp. sericea
Flora of Virginia Name/Status
Cornus sericea L.
Comments
The nativity of this species in Virginia is questionable. It was historically reported to grow along the Potomac River in Fairfax Co., but supporting specimens currently appear to be lacking. The few additional records are compromised by diffulties in identification of vegetative specimens, and by the fact that the species is often planted and possibly escaped.

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
Riverbanks and shores; other Virginia habitats unknown. Rare; recorded only from Botetourt, Fairfax, and Fauquier counties.
Native Status
Not Specified

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