Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea
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Pl. 3241 — Cornus sericea
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IOverview
Overview
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the western and northern United States and Canada. It thrives in moist to wet soils and can be found in various habitats across its extensive range, from Alaska and Yukon to California and Mexico Southwest. Known for its ornamental value due to its vibrant red winter stems, this plant is also edible, with fruits that are often used in jams and jellies. Red Osier Dogwood 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.
Quick answers
What is 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. It thrives in moist to wet soils and can be found in various habitats across its extensive range, from Alaska and Yukon to California and Mexico Southwest.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Red Osier Dogwood thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to wet soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 2.5 meters tall and is hardy in zones 2-7. This shrub or tree is native to a wide range of North American regions and can be propagated through seeds.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
2-7
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
2.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Red Osier Dogwood for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Red Osier Dogwood to enjoy its vibrant red stems and easy care.
- 1
What you'll need
Red Osier Dogwood plants or cuttings, garden gloves, trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with moist, well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade. Ensure containers have good drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots directly into the garden or start cuttings in early spring.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water during dry spells; mulch to retain moisture. Prune only if needed to shape or remove dead branches.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to maintain shape and health of the plant.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in too sunny a spot, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Weaving materialDyeFiberAnimal feedoilTeethGround cover
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 30 native
Broader regions
native:Alberta, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Labrador, Maine, Manitoba, Maryland, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Brunswick, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Newfoundland, North Dakota, Massachusetts
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 32415ae5-3e30-4eff-82d2-7499521311e9
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