Quick answer: Silky camellia (Stewartia malacodendron) is native to 8 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 16 Sep 2026.
Photo: Richard Bowden, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-2.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Shade (tolerates morning sun) |
|---|---|
| Water | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
| Soil | Acid, humus-rich, well-drained |
| Bloom | Apr-Jun |
| Height | Up to 20 ft (often shorter, to 10 ft as shrub form) |
| Wildlife value | Not recorded in the wildflower.org profile |
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 16 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 16 Sep 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Silky camellia
Where is Silky camellia native?
Silky camellia (Stewartia malacodendron) is native to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Silky camellia bloom?
Silky camellia blooms Apr-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Silky camellia need?
Light: Shade (tolerates morning sun). Soil: Acid, humus-rich, well-drained. Mature height: Up to 20 ft (often shorter, to 10 ft as shrub form).
Is Silky camellia deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Silky camellia is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy Silky camellia?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 16 Sep 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Stewartia malacodendron by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Silky camellia.
- American olive Osmanthus americanus
- Yaupon holly Ilex vomitoria
- Cabbage palmetto Sabal palmetto
- Titi cyrilla Cyrilla racemiflora
- American wisteria Wisteria frutescens
- Southern crabapple Malus angustifolia
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.