Red Osier Dogwood

Cornus sericea Red-osier dogwood is a common shrub throughout Michigan. It is especially abundant in wet meadows, marshes, and swamps, but it does well if planted in an upland habitat. The stems are green in the summer and red in the winter. Origin Native Growth Rate Medium Mature Size 5-7 ft tall Soil Wet loam, sand muck or sedge peat Light Full sun to shade Leaves Opposite, simple leaves 2-4 inches long; dark green above and hairy, lighter colored below Flower & Fruit White to cream-colored flowers bloom from June to August; White berries attractive and smooth berries Benefits Often planted as an ornamental used as field windbreaks, riparian plantings and highway beautification. Provides dense cover and feed for many wildlife species. The fleshy fruits, twigs and foliage are very valuable to wildlife such as robins, cedar waxwings, rabbits and deer.