Red Osier Dogwood

Native North American dogwood with brilliant red winter stems, white summer berries, and fiery fall colour — superb for naturalizing, screening, erosion control, and wildlife habitat. (Cornus sericea)

$25.00

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Cornus sericea, commonly known as Red Osier Dogwood, is a hardy native shrub prized for its striking red stems that add bold color to the winter landscape. In spring, it produces clusters of creamy white flowers followed by white berries that attract birds and other wildlife. Ideal for naturalized areas, rain gardens, and erosion control, this fast-growing shrub also brings year-round interest with its seasonal foliage and vibrant stem color.

In stock (500)

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Growing Information

Growing zone guide

Growing Zone Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8

Sunlight Bright light to partial shade

Type of Soil Slightly acidic to neutral

Mature Height 6 to 9 feet

Maintenance Level Low maintenance

Water Requirement Moderate watering (once a week)

Learn more about this plant

Additional Information

Growth Rate	Fast-growing2–3 feet per year under ideal conditions.
Colorful Leaves	Yes
Flowering	Yes
Bloom Color	White
Ornamental Berries	White berries
Disease resistant	Yes
Cold Tolerant	Yes
Heat Tolerant	Yes
Drought Tolerant	No
Deer Resistant	No
Edible	No
Wildlife Attraction	Flowers attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Berries are eaten by birds. Provides for wildlife.
Self-pollinating	Cross-pollinating
Seasonality	Spring: Flowering Summer: Green foliage, developing berries Fall: Foliage turns reddish-purple Winter Bright red stems provide striking seasonal interest
Ideal For	Naturalized and native plant gardens Rain gardens, stream banks, and erosion control Wildlife gardens (provides food and cover) Winter interest with its striking red stems
Leaf Description	Oval, dark green leaves with noticeable veins. Fall color can be reddish-purple depending on the cultivar.
Flower Description	Small, creamy white clusters bloom in late spring to early summer. Not particularly showy but important for pollinators.
Pruning & Maintenance	Prune in late winter or early spring to promote vibrant red stem color (newer stems are brightest). Can be cut back to the ground every 2–3 years ("rejuvenation pruning"). Remove older, dull-colored stems annually to encourage fresh growth.
Water Needs	Moisture-loving; thrives in wet soils, but tolerates seasonal dryness once established. Great for and streambanks.
Light Needs	Full sun to part shade
Harvesting	Cut stems in late fall or winter for use in decorative arrangements or floral displays.
Fertilizing	Apply compost or a slow-release, balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring if growth is weak. Generally not fertilizer-dependent when planted in good soil.
Additional Care Tips	N/A
Pollination	Insect-pollinated (primarily bees). Flowers are self-fertile, but insect activity improves fruit production.
Companion Plants	Moisture-loving native plants: Iris versicolor (Blue Flag Iris) Carex spp. (Sedges) Eutrochium (Joe-Pye Weed) Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) Physostegia virginiana