Cornus sericea
Red-osier Dogwood
General
Fast growing medium shrub that can be used for streambank stabilization and erosion control. Red-osier dogwood berries and twigs provide a food source for a wide variety of animals, most commonly birds in the New England area.
Plant Description
Red-osier dogwood is a medium height shrub growing 6-10’ in height. Dense green foliage that turns dull red in the fall. The bark is usually a bright red, and will look stunning and festive in the winter against snow. Clusters of small white flowers bloom in spring and summer. Dull white berries in summer and fall.
Height (ft)
6-10
Spread (ft)
8
Soil moisture
Any; Thrives best in moist soils
Soil types
Moist soils with high nutrients
Wetland indicator
FACW+
Shade tolerance
Full sun to Full Shade
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
May to June
Fall conspicuous
Slightly
Anaerobic tolerance
High
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
No
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Range extends from Alaska and northern Canada southward through the Rocky Mountains into the western United States, and from New England and the Great Lakes region southward through the eastern US into the Southeast.
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, a decoction of the roots is used as an emetic for coughs and colds. The sap from this species used on arrowheads have had a poisonous effect on animals. The twisted branches have been used to make gill nets when fishing. The berries were also eaten fresh or dried.