Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a fast-growing shrub that reaches 3-9 feet in height and 6-10 feet in width. It prefers well-drained, wet to moist, sandy to clay soils. Given its bright red bark and pleasant leaf structure, it is often used ornamentally, especially for winter interest. Red-osier dogwood is also useful for controlling erosion along stream banks. It is an excellent shrub for wildlife.

Photos: red bark by Rafael Penaloza, flowers by Tom Hilton, seedlings by GTCD

BUNDLE BREAKDOWN:

Per-bundle pricing displayed below. Multiple-bundle pricing reflected in shopping cart.

Bundle of 5: $17

Bundle of 10: $26

Bundle of 25: $50

Bundle of 50: $81

Bundle of 100: $134

STATS ON RED-OSIER DOGWOOD

• Mature Height:  3–9 feet

• Mature Width:  6–10 feet

• Soil Type:  Sandy, Clay, Well-drained

• Moisture: Moist

• Sun:  Partial Shade

• Growth Rate:  Fast

KEY CHARACTERISTICS OF RED-OSIER DOGWOOD

• White flower clusters in bloom in June.

• Bright red bark brings great Winter interest. Changes to green in spring.

• Deciduous, simple, and opposite leaves. They reveal silky strands when split.

• Small, white berries appear in August and September.

VISITORS ATTRACTED TO RED-OSIER DOGWOOD

HELP CONTROL INVASIVES!

Red-osier dogwood makes a great alternative to invasive honeysuckle species (Lonicera spp.), which replace native plants in high-quality natural areas, which in turn reduces critical food resources for birds, butterflies, and other wild creatures. Invasive honeysuckles in particular affect native ecosystems by throwing off the balance. While their flowers do provide nectar to birds and pollinating insects and the berries are food for birds and small mammals, the foliage is unpalatable to most native insects. Songbirds especially rely on insects to feed for their young to survive the growing season.