Cornus sericea (Red-Twig Dogwood)

The signature winter-interest shrub of the native palette, red-twig dogwood's bright red stems provide genuine four-season structure to a streambank or shoreline planting, with vigorous suckering growth that makes it a proven choice for bioengineered slope and shore stabilization projects.

Species Overview

Cornus sericea, commonly known as red twig dogwood or red-osier dogwood, is an upright-spreading, suckering shrub native to much of North America. It typically grows to 6 to 9 feet tall with a slightly larger spread, found growing in wet swampy areas, wetland margins, or along lakes and rivers. Its bright red winter stems are the standout feature, with tiny, fragrant white flowers appearing in flat-topped clusters in late spring.

Application

• Streambank and shoreline stabilization - a proven bioengineering species
• Rain garden and wetland-margin plantings
• Winter-interest specimen and border plantings
• Pollinator habitat - flowers used by a wide variety of pollinators

Growing Conditions / Specification Data

• Light: Full Sun to Full Shade - performs better with at least some sun
• Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Prefers moist to wet conditions; tolerates seasonal flooding; intolerant of drought
• Drought Tolerance: None - intolerant of drought, flourishes in saturated conditions
• Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Tolerates occasional flooding as well as wet sites, in addition to moist well-drained soil and even occasional drought - a genuinely wide tolerance range.
• Growth Rate: Rapid - vigorous, suckering species
• Plant Type: Shrub
• Mature Height: 6-9 ft.
• Fall Color: Red, Purple
• Bloom Color / Period: White; May-June
• Wetland Indicator Status: FACW (Facultative Wetland)
• Native Range: Most of North America, excluding the lower Midwest and deep South
• Hydrology: Moist-Wet
• Root Depth: Moderate (12-24 in.)
• Salinity Tolerance: Low
• Deer Resistance: Some
• Shade Tolerance: Intermediate
• Growth Habit: Multi-stemmed/Thicket-forming - spreads by underground stems
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8
• Pollinator Value: Supports bees, supports butterflies

Planting Guidance

• Prune older branches back in early spring to stimulate vigorous new growth with the most vivid red stem color.