Dogwood, Red Osier (AI)
At a Glance
Latin Name: Cornus sericea (stolonifera)
Zones: 2-7
Other common names: American dogwood, kinnikinnik, squawbush, red-stemmed cornel, ruby dogwood
Mature Height/spread: a deciduous shrub, 6′ to 10′ tall with an equal or greater spread, shape is rounded and spreading loose and somewhat open, multi-stemmed.
Soil / Climate: Tolerant of dry sites but prefers wet areas along streams and ponds. Ranges from Maine to Manitoba and south. Easily transplanted, quite adaptable to many soils, but likes moisture, full sun to light shade, easily grown United States. It is even found on the west coast of the United States and down into the mountains of Arizona and New Mexico.
Notes: Bark turns dark red in autumn. Leaves are oblong with pointed tips and turn dark red in the fall. Flowers are white. Fruit persists through fall. Flowers in 1.5″ to 2.5″ diameter, flat clusters dull white are quite small bloom time is late May to early June. Used as a screen, shrub border, soil stabilization, most useful for red stem color in winter
Wildlife: The fruit is a popular food for turkey, ruffed grouse, bobwhite, pheasant, and many other birds.
-Wetland tolerant, preferred habitat
-Winter source of food for wildlife
-Provides habitat for deer, ruffed grouse, cottontail, turkey, quail and bees.
Purchase Size: 2-3 ft.
USDA NRCS Species Information