Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Cornus sericea L.
Redosier dogwood, Redosier, Red-twig dogwood, Red-osier dogwood
Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)
Redosier or red-twig dogwood is a loose, spreading, multi-stemmed
shrub, 6-12 ft. tall, with conspicuous red twigs. Dense, flat-topped clusters of creamy-white blossoms are followed by umbrella-shaped clusters of pea-sized white berries. Autumn foliage is colorful. Redosier is deciduous.
Very conspicuous red branches in winter.
The genus Cornus is Latin for a horn.
Image Gallery:
7 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Shrub Autumn Foliage: yes
Flower:
Fruit: Green
Size Class: 6-12 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: AK , AZ , CA , CO , CT , DE , ID , IL , IN , IA , KY , ME , MD , MA , MI , MN , MT , NE , NV , NH , NJ , NM , NY , ND , OH , OR , PA , RI , SD , UT , VT , VA , WA , WV , WI , WY
Canada: AB ,
BC ,
MB ,
NB ,
NS ,
PE ,
QC ,
SK Native Distribution: Nf. to AK, s. to VA, NE, NM mts. & n. CA
Native Habitat: River banks; lake shores; wooded or open, wet areas
USDA Native Status: L48(N), AK(N), CAN(N), SPM(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Moist, well-drained soils.
Conditions Comments: This dogwood is adaptable to a wide range of soil and climatic conditions but is plagued by
twig blight, scale and bagworms. Red twigs are especially effective in winter against the snow. Cornus occidentalis occurs throughout cismontane CA to B.C. in the same habitats as C. sericea.
Benefit
Use Wildlife: Waterfowl, marshbirds and shorebirds are major users. Also large and small mammals.Deer browse on dogwood year-round.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Attracts: Birds , Butterflies
Larval Host: Spring Azure
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Cornus sericea is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2011-09-23
