Cornus sericea
Common Name: Red Stem Dogwood, Red Twig Dogwood

The Red-Stemmed Dogwood's brilliant red stems make an outstanding display in the winter. Green leaves turn red or orange in autumn. Very effective if planted in clumps. Flat heads of creamy-white flowers followed by white fruits. Will make a good informal hedge.  If grown as a shrub prune hard in spring to improve stem color. Grown for the interest of its red twigs in the winter. Effective when planted in masses or used in naturalistic or wet sites. Fruit is low in sugar and less inclined to rot than other fruits, staying on the plant through the winter and available when other fruits are gone. Eaten by songbirds, grouse, quail, partridge, ducks, crows, and other birds.  Provides valuable cover for birds and other small animals, especially where it grows in thickets. This dogwood is less palatable to white-tailed deer than many other ornamental shrubs.

More Info

J