Silky Dogwood is a deciduous tree that may grow 10 to 15 feet tall. The leaves are alternate and acutely veined with a smooth margin. The bark is smooth and red-purple in young trees. As the tree ages, the bark turns brown and develops shallow fissures. In late spring, small, white flowers mature in clusters.

Silky dogwood has simple, opposite leaves that turn a brownish-red color in the fall. The twigs are reddish to purplish-brown and contain a brown pith, which is sometimes helpful for identification. The plant reaches 10-12 feet in height and 6-10 feet in width. It can withstand full shade to full sun but needs moist or wet soils to thrive.