Cornus sericea

Redosier Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus sericea

Overview
A hardy native red twig dogwood valued for its brilliant red winter stems, which provide striking color in dormant landscapes. Flat clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in late spring, followed by white to bluish berries. Summer foliage is medium green, turning reddish to purple in fall. Cornus sericea is widely used for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and winter interest plantings.

Size



Width: 6–10 ft



Height: 6–10 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 2a–7b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Best stem color develops in full sun



Soil



Well-drained to wet soils; highly adaptable



Tolerates clay, loam, or sandy soils



Slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred



Attracts



Pollinators (flowers)



Birds (berries)



Wildlife (cover and food source)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cold to moderate climates



Tolerates wet sites, seasonal flooding, and urban conditions



Excellent for naturalized areas and mass plantings



Notes



Shape: Upright, multi-stemmed shrub forming colonies



Winter stem color brightest on new growth; prune older stems to ground periodically



Excellent for rain gardens, streambanks, and winter displays



Spreads by suckers to form thickets



Minimal maintenance beyond renewal pruning

Plant type

Flowering Shrub

Height

6-10'

Width

6-10'

Hardiness zones

3–7

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Soil

Loamy, Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Hedge, Mass Planting

Shape

Clumping, Upright

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No