// SPECIES PROFILE · SHRUB · NATIVE

Silky camellia

Stewartia malacodendron

Silky camellia (Stewartia malacodendron) is a shrub in the — family. Native range includes AR — verified against the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center native distribution database. Hardy in zones 5a–11b. Mature size 8'–20'.

// QUICK FACTS

Family: —
Group: shrub
Native range: Native to 10 U.S. states, including AL, AR, FL, GA, LA, MS…
USDA hardiness: Zones 5a–11b
Mature size: 8'–20'
Sun: Full shade
Water: —
Bloom: —
Wildlife value: Pollinator and wildlife support
Ecological role: native species profile

Silky camellia (Stewartia malacodendron) — *Stewartia malacodendron* — Silky camellia. Photo by Melburnian via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5).

Field Notes

[ growing · ecology · siting · care ]

Why it's on this list: native species profile. Native-range data from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (NPIN), cross-checked against iNaturalist observations. Part of Rooted Revival's regional native plant catalog — true natives for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri and Kansas.

Companion Planting

[ guild · polyculture · cross-layer pairings ]

In the same native range, silky camellia pairs naturally with: American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana), American Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), Chickasaw Plum (Prunus angustifolia).