Cornus sericea - Red Osier Dogwood
A medium-sized shrub with vigorous growth and is adaptive to many soil and light conditions. Dark red branches are a distinctive feature and remain attractive throughout the winter. Spreads by underground stems (stolons) and has a fibrous root system which can help stabilize slopes. Tolerant of wet, swampy areas with ample soil moisture. Deer resistant. Attracts pollinators. Tolerant of urban pollution. A very useful shrub for most landscape applications.
Height : 8-10 feet Spread : 8-10 feet
Light : Full sun to shade Water : Medium to wet
Soil : Sand, loam, clay Zone : 2-8
Leaves : Medium green to dark green in summer. Purplish to reddish in the fall
Stem : Distinctive red branches year round. Vibrantly colored stems provide winter interest, even when leaves have been shed
Flower : Small white flowers are on display in late May to early June
Fruit : White berry clusters in August-September
Habit : Loose, broad spreading, rounded, multi-stemmed deciduous shrub