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Red Twig Dogwood
Red Twig Dogwood
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Cornus sericea
Red Osier Dogwood – Product Description
The Red Osier Dogwood is a vibrant, fast-growing native shrub prized for its fiery red stems, creamy white flowers, and striking winter interest. A staple in native plantings and restoration projects, Red Osier offers multi-season beauty, exceptional adaptability, and vital support for pollinators and wildlife. Also known as the "Red Twig Dogwood" known for is brilliant red twigs all year long.
Perfect for rain gardens, riparian zones, mixed borders, and wildlife habitats, this hardy shrub thrives in wet soils and full sun to part shade, making it a versatile and eye-catching addition to any landscape.
Red Osier Dogwood Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Botanical Name | Cornus sericea |
| 🏷️ Common Names | Red Osier Dogwood, Red Twig Dogwood, Redstem Dogwood |
| 🌳 Mature Height | 6–9 feet |
| 🌐 Mature Width | 6–10 feet |
| 📈 Growth Rate | Fast (2–4 feet per year) |
| ⏳ Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| 🧊 USDA Zones | 2–8 |
| ☀️ Sun Preference | Full sun to partial shade (best stem color in full sun) |
| 🧱 Soil Type | Moist to wet loam, clay, or sandy soils |
| ⚖️ Soil pH | Acidic to neutral (5.0–7.0) |
| 💧 Water Needs | Moderate to high; tolerates standing water |
| 🌸 Flower Color | Creamy white clusters; bloom late spring to early summer |
| 🫐 Fruit Color | White berries with pale blue tint; ripen late summer |
| 🐝 Pollination | Attracts bees, butterflies, birds, and small mammals |
| 🌿 Growth Habit | Upright, suckering, thicket-forming shrub |
| ↔️ Spacing | 5–8 ft for mass plantings; 8–10 ft for specimen use |
| 🏡 Landscape Uses | Rain gardens, erosion control, wildlife hedges, naturalized plantings |
| 🧹 Maintenance Level | Low to moderate |
Environmental Benefits
🌼 Provides nectar-rich blooms for native pollinators
🪶 Offers critical winter food and shelter for birds and small animals
🌧️ Thrives in wet conditions, perfect for stormwater retention areas
🌿 Spreads naturally to stabilize banks, slopes, and disturbed soils
Pros & Cons
| ✅ Pros | ⚠️ Cons |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Stunning red stems add bold winter interest | 🌱 Spreads by suckers; may need management in formal spaces |
| 🐝 High value for pollinators, birds, and wildlife | ✂️ Pruning recommended to maintain vibrant stem color |
| 🌧️ Excellent for erosion control and wetland edges | 💧 Requires consistent moisture in hot or dry climates |
| 🏞️ Ideal for native and restoration plantings | 🪵 May leaf out later in spring, especially in colder zones |
| 🧬 Very adaptable to soil and light conditions | 🌾 Can grow large; not ideal for compact spaces |
Planting & Care Guide
🛁 Soak roots or hydrate thoroughly before planting
🕳️ Dig a hole twice the width of the root mass; plant at same depth as in nursery
🌾 Mulch 2–3 inches deep to retain moisture and suppress weeds
💦 Water regularly during first season; thrives in wet or lowland areas
✂️ Prune 1/3 of oldest stems in late winter to rejuvenate growth and color
🧪 Fertilize only if soil is depleted; generally thrives without added nutrients
The Red Osier Dogwood is a bold, multi-season native shrub that delivers color, function, and habitat value all in one plant. Whether you're planting for erosion control, winter beauty, or wildlife support, this native workhorse brings form and function together in striking fashion.
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