Red Osier Dogwood Cornus sericea

Red twig dogwood is a large, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub in the Cornaceae (dogwood) family and native to most of North America, including North Carolina. Growing to a height and width of 6 to 9 feet, it is typically found growing in damp boggy areas, riparian areas, or wetland margins. The common name indicates the bright red color of the stems. The genus Cornus is from the Latin name for horn. Sericea is Latin for silky and is in reference to fine hairs found on the tops of leaves and lining new twigs.  

Although it tolerates a range of soil conditions, including wet and dry sites and heavy clay soil, it prefers organically rich, consistently moist soil. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, though plants can become stressed in full sun during our hot southern summers. Its showy red stems provide great winter interest. The brightest color occurs on new stem growth, so prune the plant back in early spring to stimulate more growth. It grows vigorously and spreads by underground stems to form a colony that can become weedy in some areas, though its spreading roots can help mitigate erosion. If its spread is undesirable, root prune it with a spade.

White flowers appear in the early summer, followed by white berries that last into the fall and are a food source for songbirds. The leaves turn attractive shades of orange or red, fading to purple in the fall. When they drop, the showy bright red stems make this plant have true year-round interest.  

This wildlife plant is a larval host for butterflies and supports bees and birds, so it makes an excellent addition to a pollinator garden. It works well as a specimen, massed in a shrub border, or used in front of an evergreen hedge for contrast. Tolerating wet areas allows it to be planted in low spots in the landscape. Use multiple plants to form a hedge or thicket and provide screening or security. This plant is seldom browsed by deer.

Quick ID Hints:

• Vibrant red stems and twigs are very conspicuous in the winter months
• Dense clusters of flat-topped, creamy-white flowers in mid-to late spring
• Bluish-tinged white berries in late summer and early fall
• Reddish-purple fall foliage

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Borers, leaf miners, and scale are potential insect pests. While not susceptible to dogwood anthracnose, when stressed, it is susceptible to a large number of disease problems, including powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot, and leaf and twig blight.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.

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