Redosier Dogwood

General
Scientific Name: Cornus sericea
Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood)
Hardiness: Zone 2
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Shrub

Growth
Rate: Fast
Mature Height: >7’
Longevity: Short
Power Line: Yes

Ornamental
Flowers: White to cream
Fruit: White Fall
Color: Purple

An open, spreading, multi-stemmed, medium to large shrub with horizontal branches at the base. Freely stoloniferous as it spreads by natural layering of lower, relatively prostrate stems. Dark, bloodred bark provides winter color. Responds well to rejuvenation pruning when overgrown as it will resprout from roots.

Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water: Medium to high.
Soil: Tolerates a wide range including wet.

Several cultivated varieties are available, including:

‘Bergeson Compact’ Dogwood - Superior red twigs; fall color and density.
‘Cardinal’ Dogwood - Coral-red twigs; fall color and density of mediocre quality.
‘Isanti’ Dogwood - A multi-stem shrub with a dense, compact habit.
‘Silver and Gold’ or ’Ivory Halo’ Dogwood - Variegated leaves and yellow twigs.
‘Yellowtwig’ Dogwood - Yellow stems, often sunscald in winter.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Redosier Dogwood

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Redosier Dogwood

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Redosier Dogwood