Plant Description

Cornus sericea

Red osier dogwood, also called red-twig dogwood, is a small tree often found in riparian (streamside) areas. It has attractive red stems and white flower clusters that later become bright white berries.

White flowers against a background of green leaves, with red stems visible.

Red osier dogwood has red branches, green leaves, and small white flowers that grow in a cluster.

PLANT CHARACTERISTICS

Characteristic Plant Information
Height at 20 yrs 15 ft
Mature Height 15 ft
Growth Rate Moderate
Life Span Perennial
Moisture Use Moderate
Drought Tolerance Low-Moderate
Deer Browse Yes
Wildlife Value Flowers are good for insects, berries are good for birds
Timber Value None
Resprout Ability Potential to resprout after wildfire or cutting
Hardiness USDA Zones 2-7
Flower Color White
Bloom Time May-October
Habitat Near streams, rivers, and wetlands

SCIENTIFIC CLASSIFICATION

Classification Scientific Name
Kingdom Plantae
Clade Tracheophytes
Clade Angiosperms
Class Asterids
Order Cornales
Family Cornaceae
Genus Cornus
Species C. sericea

Planting information

Sun

Prefers full sun, can tolerate sun or some shade

Soil

Moist, medium to course textured soils

Special Uses

Very showy even in winter with its red branches; good for pollinators and hummingbirds

Ease of Care

Easy

RESOURCES

USDA Plant Database
Wildflower Native Plant Database
Oregon Flora Database

PLANT IMAGES

  • White flowers against green leaves, with red twigs visible.
  • White berries against green leaves, with red branches visible.
  • Several red osier dogwood shrubs without leaves, showing the bright red of the branches.
  • A close up of the bright red twigs and branches of red osier dogwood.