Redosier Dogwood

(Cornus sericea)

Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cornus sericea, commonly known as Redosier Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to wetland margins, stream banks, and moist forest clearings in the United States, Canada, and Northern Mexico. It typically grows 1.5–4 m tall and 3–5 m wide, with a tendency to spread by underground stolons, forming dense thickets. The branches and twigs are a distinctive dark red, particularly noticeable in winter, although plants in shaded areas may exhibit less intense coloration. The shrub’s flat-topped clusters of small white flowers bloom in late spring to early summer and are followed by white to blueish drupes that are attractive to birds.

Redosier Dogwood is valued for its four-season interest, particularly the bright red winter stems that stand out against snowy landscapes. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as a border shrub, or for erosion control along waterways due to its spreading habit. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils, but it is adaptable to a range of conditions. It is also used in traditional medicine and basket weaving by Native American tribes. Gardeners should be aware that it can be susceptible to leaf and twig blights, and can spread aggressively, potentially becoming invasive outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Shrub
  • Height: 3-9 feet
  • Width: 7-10 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting, Water Garden

Natural Habitat

Wetland margins, stream banks, and moist forest clearings

Other Names

Common Names: Red-Osier Dogwood , Red Osier Dogwood , American Dogwood , Red Willow , Red-Osier Cornel , Red-Stemmed Dogwood , Red Brush , Redstem Dogwood , Redtwig Dogwood , Red-Rood

Scientific Names: Cornus sericea , Swida sericea , Cornus alba var. splendens , Cornus stolonifera var. coloradense , Svida sericea , Thelycrania sericea

GBIF Accepted Name: Cornus sericea L.