Red Osier Dogwood

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the western and northern United States and Canada, with a range extending from Alaska and Yukon to California and Mexico Southwest. Thriving in moist to wet soils, this plant can be found in various habitats across its extensive range, including forests, riverbanks, and marshes. Known for its ornamental value due to its vibrant red winter stems, Red Osier Dogwood is also edible, with fruits that are often used in jams and jellies. This shrub or tree prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a variety of soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). Its hardiness spans zones 2-7, making it adaptable to different climates. Red Osier Dogwood is valued for its utility in weaving materials, dyeing, fiber production, animal feed, oil extraction, teeth cleaning, and as a ground cover. It has been introduced into several European countries such as Austria, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, Finland, Great Britain, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland. Red Osier Dogwood can grow up to 2.5 meters tall and is often found in native regions including Alaska, Alberta, Arizona, British Columbia, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and Yukon.