Red Osier Dogwood
Red osier dogwood is a deciduous shrub in the dogwood family, scientifically known as *Cornus sericea*.
Red osier dogwood (*Cornus sericea*) is a deciduous shrub in the dogwood family native to much of North America. It is especially recognized for its bright red winter stems, white flower clusters, and wildlife-supporting berries. The shrub is familiar in Canadian wetlands and riparian areas, and is used in restoration projects for streambank stabilization.
Description
Red osier dogwood is a medium to large deciduous shrub with opposite leaves, small white flowers, and white to bluish fruits. Its red winter stems are the most distinctive feature and are widely used for identification and ornamental value.
Distribution and habitat
The species is native across much of North America, especially in northern and western regions, with some sources describing it as one of the most widespread native dogwoods. It typically grows in moist, nutrient-rich soils along streams, wetlands, and other low-lying sites.
Ecology and wildlife value
The shrub provides nectar for insects and fruit for birds and other mammals. Its dense root system also helps stabilize soils, which makes it useful in riparian restoration and erosion control projects.
Uses in horticulture and restoration
Red osier dogwood is planted as an ornamental shrub for winter colour and as a screen, border, or mass planting. It is also used in habitat restoration because it tolerates wet soils and spreads effectively by stems and roots.
Key facts
- It is a native North American shrub with one of the broadest ranges among dogwoods.
- The plant is commonly found in wet or moist habitats such as streambanks, wetlands, marshes, and bogs.
- Its stems turn vivid red in winter, making it a popular ornamental and landscape shrub.
- The fruits are eaten by birds and other wildlife, and the shrub is important in habitat and restoration plantings.
- It is a clonal, multi-stemmed shrub that can spread by suckers.
Red osier dogwood is native to much of Canada and is a familiar shrub in Canadian wetlands, riparian areas, and naturalized landscapes. It is also used in restoration projects for streambank stabilization and soil protection in Canadian habitats.[2][3][13]
Frequently asked questions
What is red osier dogwood?
Where does red osier dogwood grow naturally?
How tall does red osier dogwood grow?
What wildlife uses red osier dogwood?
Why is it called red osier?
Is red osier dogwood native to Canada?
References
- USDA Forest Service — https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/cornus_sericea.shtmlSupports: Species identity, native range, description, and red winter stems
- USDA Forest Service — https://www.fs.usda.gov/database/feis/plants/shrub/corser/all.htmlSupports: Scientific name, growth form, height, and taxonomic notes
- Carleton University Arboretum — https://www.carleton.edu/arboretum/about/species/flora/shrub-guide/red-osier-dogwood/Supports: Height, clonal habit, habitat, flowers, fruit, and wildlife value
- Royal Horticultural Society — https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/4411/cornus-sericea/detailsSupports: Growth habit, height, stems, flowers, and fruit
- Illinois Wildflowers — https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/ro_dogwood.htmSupports: Common name and family
- Utah State University Extension — https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/tree-identification/other-trees/red-osier-dogwoodSupports: Habitat, uses, height, and landscape value
- North Carolina State Extension — https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cornus-sericea/common-name/red-osier-dogwood/Supports: Native range, size, and wetland habitat
- Northern Woodlands — https://northernwoodlands.org/articles/article/red_osier_dogwood_cornus_sericeaSupports: Range statement and North American distribution