Cornus sericea
Red-osier dogwood native across North America with bright red stems particularly vibrant in winter. White flower clusters appear in spring followed by white berries. Forms suckering thickets useful for erosion control and wildlife habitat. The red stems provide outstanding winter colour.
Prefers moist to wet conditions but adaptable. Suitable for rain gardens, stream banks, and naturalistic plantings. The red stems are most colourful on young growth. Coppicing every few years promotes vigorous colourful stems. Native across Canada and northern United States. The berries provide food for birds. Excellent for winter interest. The suckering habit creates dense colonies.
Growing Conditions
Light: full sun to part shade
Moisture: moist to wet
Soil: moist to wet
Hardiness zone: 2
Maintenance: low to moderate
Size & Habit
Height (cm): 200
Spread (cm): 250
Habit: suckering shrub
Seasonal Interest
Flowering period: May–June
Seasonal interest: spring bloom; white berries summer; brilliant red stems winter; native shrub
Foliage: green
Flower: white
Ecology & Notes
Wildlife value: birds; pollinators
Deer/Rabbit resistance: yes
Habitat: rain gardens; stream banks; wetlands; winter interest
Features: bright red winter stems; white flowers; white berries; suckering; moisture-loving; North American native; coppice for color
Notes: native across N America; red stems brightest on young growth; coppice for best color; moist to wet sites; bird berries