Yellow Twig Dogwood Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea'

The Yellow Twig Dogwood is a deciduous flowering shrub that is a cultivar of the Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus Sericea). This rapid-growing, suckering cultivar has greenish-yellow stems. The multi-stemmed shrub grows upright and matures to a height of 5 to 6 feet. The plant has small flower clusters in the spring, blue-tinged white berries in the late summer, and reddish-orange foliage in the fall. The fall and winter stems appear golden and add interest to the garden.

The species plant is native to most of North America. It is not found in the lower midwest or deep south. It is most often found along rivers, lakes, swampy areas, and wetlands.

The genus name, Cornus, is Latin for the word, cornu, which means "horn." This references the hardness of the wood. The species name, sericea, is Latin for "silky." This references the hairs present on the twigs and upper leaf surface. The cultivar, 'Flaviramea,' is known for its ornamental bright yellow winter stems.

The Yellow Twig Dogwood may be planted in full sun and part shade. It prefers organically rich and moist well-drained soils. This plant is more vulnerable to disease in hot summer climates. The shrub is clay soil tolerant, wet soil tolerant, and deer tolerant. Pruning may be required to maintain the plant's shape and stem color. The brightest display of stem color is found on the young stems. The plant may be reproduced by hardwood cuttings and suckers that freely spread and form thickets.

The leaves are dark green and ovate with greenish-yellow stems during the spring and summer. The foliage turns reddish-orange in the fall, and the stems are golden. Clusters of creamy-white flowers appear in late spring. Once the flowers are spent, bluish-tinged white berries appear.

The flowers attract butterflies for pollination and nectar, and birds are attracted to the fruits. 

The Yellow Twig Dogwood is grown for its ornamental value, especially in fall and winter gardens. Their spreading root system makes the shrub a good choice for erosion control. They may be planted as a specimen to add color to the garden. In naturalized areas, the shrub makes a beautiful display when planted in mass.

Seasons of Interest: 

Foliage: Fall      Bloom: Spring     Fruit: Late Summer and Fall     Twigs and stems:  Winter

Quick ID Hints:

• Stems are greenish-yellow to bright golden
• Leaves are dark green and turn orangish-red in the fall
• Clusters of tiny creamy-white flowers in the spring
• White bluish-tinged berries in the late summer and fall

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: The Yellow Twig Dogwood is generally disease and pest-free. Borers, leaf miners, and scale are less serious, but they are potential insect pests. The sawfly may strip the leaves. The plant may develop cankers in hot and humid climates. Other diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, root rot, and leaf & twig blight. 

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Cornus sericea.