Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea subsp. sericea
Cornaceae · broadleaf deciduous shrub · native
Last updated
Data Coverage 3 of 6 dimensions
Red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea subsp. sericea, Cornaceae) is the typical subspecies of the widespread North American native, a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub reaching 6 to 9 feet tall. It spreads by underground stolons, forming thickets of bright red to purplish stems. White flower clusters from May to June are followed by white to ivory fruit.
This subspecies shares the cultural requirements and pest/disease profile of the species. It grows in full sun on wet-tolerant soils, is highly adaptable to clay and anaerobic conditions, and tolerates renovation pruning for stem color maintenance. See C. sericea for full cultural details.
Quick Facts
Height
5 ft
Growth Rate
Moderate
Light
Full Sun
Soil
Wet Tolerant
Water
Moderate
Hardiness
Zone Zones 3b–9b
Bloom Time
May to June
Origin
Northern North America from Newfoundland to Manitoba south to Virginia
Phenological Calendar
| Stage | Typical Window |
|---|---|
| Bud break BBCH 07 | Feb 15-Mar 15 |
| Leaf emergence BBCH 11 | Mar 1-Apr 1 |
| Bloom start BBCH 61 | Mar 15-May 15 |
| Bloom end / petal fall BBCH 69 | Apr 15-May 31 |
| Fruit/seed development BBCH 71 | Jun 1-Aug 31 |
| Fall color / leaf senescence BBCH 93 | Oct 1-Nov 15 |
| Dormancy BBCH 97 | Nov 15-Feb 28 |
Cultivars (5)
'Ivory Halo'
Common name: Ivory Halo Dogwood Ivory Halo Tatarian Dogwood; Mature height: 5–6 ft
'Kelseyi'
Common name: Kelsey Dogwood Kelsey Redosier Dogwood; Mature height: 5 ft
'Argenteo Marginata'
Common name: Variegated Dogwood Variegated Tatarian Dogwood; Mature height: 6–8 ft
'Elegantissima'
Common name: Variegated Tatarian Dogwood Variegated Dogwood; Mature height: 6–8 ft
'Flaviramea'
Common name: Golden Twig Dogwood Yellow Twig Dogwood; Mature height: 7–9 ft