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Cornus sericea

Redtwig Dogwood

Plant photo of: Cornus sericea
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Information by: W-E Plants for the Willamette Valle        Photographer: Roy Wiskar

 

Description

This Oregon native is a broadleaf deciduous shrub that reaches 4-8' tall and wide. Simple leaves are dark green above and blue-green below. Small white clusters of flowers appear on ends of branches from mid-spring to summer. Following bloom period, white to bluish white berries appear, attracting birds. Fall foliage is red or red-orange. Bare red stems of this plant appear during winter, providing interest all year round. Stems are used for floral arrangements. This plant tolerates full or part sun with moist or wet soil. This shrub will not spread as much if planted in shady areas. More fruit will be produced if several plants planted together. Prune one third of the oldest stems, at ground level, each winter, to encourage more juvenile red stems.

 

Plant Type

Shrub

Height Range

3-6', 6-12'

Width Range

6-12', 12-25'

Flower Color

White

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Blue, White

Fruit Season

Summer, Fall

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Low, Medium

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Clay, Loam, Rocky, Unparticular

Soil Condition

Average, Poor, Moist

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Water Garden, Wetlands, Wild Garden, Woodland

Accenting Features

Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Specimen

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Shrub Border, Patio, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

Water between sunset and sunrise when temperatures and wind are the lowest.