PlantFiles: Red Twig Dogwood, Redosier Dogwood, Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea

Is recovering from the shock of being planted on a clay bank. Benefits from coppicing to create a bushier look

Great plant for a rain garden in the city. The branches cannot be beaten during the winter gloom as well. Besides, they make a great holiday bouquet.

This species is a common native of the United States - during winter I have seen its red twigs mainly around ponds or swamps. It will also grow in woodland shade but it will have less flowers and dullen winter colors. It is also found in Northern Minnesota so it is truely zone 3 hardy. A Asian species is more often used in landscapes, Tatarian Dogwood but more often for its variegated leaves cultivar than twigs. There are also some cultivars of Red Dogwood that have barks dark red mixed with blue it is almost maroon and others have yellow bark so a winter planting of red and yellow looks wonderful. There are many different shades of red offered. A willow species that have started to be planted more often in recent years can be confused with Red Twig Dogwood but generally are more upright and larger in size.

This plant is native to the Pacific Northwest, and is commonly found in natural areas and planted landscapes.

I've seen this plant used to stabilize steep hillsides to prevent erosion. It appears to be quite effective as well as attractive.

I have not had my Red Twig Dogwood long enough for it to bloom, but even if it never did, the red stems in winter are showy enough! My information says that it is hardy in zones 3-8 and that it should be pruned in spring.