red-twig dogwood (cornus sericea)

red-twig dogwood is a four-season native shrub, valued for its fiery winter stems, pollinator-friendly blossoms, and bird-feeding berries. in summer it bears clusters of white flowers that draw bees and butterflies, followed by white berries relished by thrushes, cardinals, and other songbirds. come autumn the foliage turns shades of burgundy and red, and in winter the bare stems glow scarlet against snow and gray skies — one of the most striking ornamental effects in the northern landscape.

our seedlings come from a red-twig cultivar source, and even at a young age they are showing sharp form and uniform vigor. most are expected to develop bright stem color, though seedlings may vary in exact intensity.

ecologically, red-twig dogwood is a keystone shrub. it spreads by suckering to form thickets that stabilize soil, slow water, and provide excellent nesting cover. highly adaptable, it thrives in wet ground along streams and ponds but also grows well in upland soils.

planting notes

• height: 6–9 ft

• spread: 6–9 ft, suckering habit

• soil: adaptable; prefers moist soils but tolerates uplands

• light: full sun to part shade (best color in sun)

• fall color: burgundy to red

• growth: fast, spreads to form colonies

• wildlife: flowers for pollinators, berries for birds, dense cover for nesting