Buy Cornus sericea

Also Known As

Cornus sericea 'Red'
Cornus stolonifera
Red Twig Dogwood
Red Twig Osier Dogwood
Redoiser Dogwood

Plant type

shrub

size

H: 6'-10'
W: 6'-8'

planting zones

2a-9b

1 gallon | $39

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35 at Forestfarm

2 inch wide, 4-6 inch deep tube | $19.95

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Fewer than 10 at Forestfarm

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Cornus sericea plant details

Cornus sericea is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous shrub with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by white fruit. Attracts bees, birds and butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in acidic, average, clay, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cornus sericea

Plant type: shrub
Plant family: cornaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 FT - 8 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: bare root shipping available, basket weaving, distinctive bark, winter interest, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cornus sericea

USDA Zones: 2a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: acidic, average, clay, rich and well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Eye-catching dark red twigs make this large shrub a standout in the winter landscape, especially so when there is snow on the ground. Large clusters of tiny white flowers in spring become interesting white berries in fall; a big hit with songbirds. Nice dark-green foliage is pretty in summer too, this tough and easy going shrub will spread by suckers, so remove them if you do not want it to spread. Young twigs have the best color, so some gardener's coppice the plants in spring. Perfect for wet spots, rain gardens or erosion control. S-PSh/M-W

By: Forestfarm

Red Twig/Red Osier Dogwood is a western native species growing in many mountainous woodland areas. The red stem form develops a bright red bark on the young canes, especially during the first winter. The red stems bring some much needed bright coloration to landscapes during the winter and is usually the most striking if plants are pruned back in early spring before the buds break, as the younger stems have the brightest color.

Mix these with the Yellow Twig form for the brightest contrast during the winter, and plant in a bright area where the bare stems can really shine.

The spring flowers appear in bunches and when the leaves drop off in the fall they reveal white berries left on the stems for the birds to eat.

By: Red Panda Nursery

Redosier Dogwood are large multi-stem fast-growing suckering deciduous shrubs Their claim-to-fame is their stems that turn bright red to dark red in the winter (stems are greenish during the growing season). These dogwoods certainly add a WOW! factor to a winter landscape. They are best used in mass in the landscape to emphasize and accentuate the cold season red stem color. Tolerant of poor growing conditions (dry or wet soil). Since the red winter color is most pronounced on young stems, regular pruning is necessary to encourage new stem production. This is accomplished by 1) removing about one-third of the largest (oldest) stems in the early spring, or 2) cutting all stems down to 9 inches above ground level about every three years. Produce flat-topped flowers (not typical of the flowering dogwood) and these are attractive at a close inspection but not from a distance.

By: Kigi Nursery

Tolerates wet or dry conditions. Occasional pruning promotes best winter stem color. Exceptionally tough shrubs grown for their bright winter stems.

By: Heritage Seedlings

This deciduous shrub grows to 15' tall and 25' wide. It spreads by rhizomes and will quickly fill in a wet area of the garden. Redstem dogwood makes a beautiful winter accent with its wine colored bark and excellent for creek side erosion control. Dogwood is often planted as an ornamental, both to beautify the landscape and to attract birds. Flowers in the spring. Native to California and is also found elsewhere in North America and beyond. Used for cover by many mammals and birds Native Americans smoke the inner bark of dogwood in tobacco mixtures used in the sacred pipe ceremony. Dreamcatchers, originating with the Potawotami, are made with the stems of the sacred dogwood. Found in occurs most frequently as a riparian species within various forest, woodland, and grassland habitat types. Communitites located in Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 9186 feet.

By: The Watershed Nursery

Vigorous shrub with four-season interest, but especially resplendent in fall when a brilliant show of red leaves appear followed by bright red winter twigs. An erect, spreading, deciduous shrub, with procumbent branches that can grow to 15'. Small cream-colored flowers appear in 2" clusters from April to November and are followed by white to bluish-purple fruits. Plants spread widely by creeping underground stems and rooting branches.

By: Native Sons

Blooms: spring-summer, white, dark fruit/ deciduous, stunning fall color, red winter bark Zone 3-9. 5'-10', PNW, part shade-sun, moist, well drained

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

Tolerant of many conditions this native red twig dogwood has ruby red new growth suckers. Cut back to the ground to force new growth. Can grow 12' tall and wide.