Red Osier Dogwood

Cornus sericea Red osier dogwood is a large, deciduous shrub with captivating year-round interest and exceptional habitat value. It's perhaps best known for its vibrant red stems that pop on even the rainiest winter days. With the arrival of spring, its soft, deep green leaves emerge, followed by clusters of creamy white flowers. By fall, the flowers transform into bright white berries that will eventually become blueish - but they rarely stay on the branches long enough since they are adored by birds such as grosbeaks, cedar waxwings, thrushes, and northern flickers. The berries contrast nicely with its autumn leaf colors, ranging from luminescent gold and soft orange to a red so deep it's almost purple. Plant type/canopy layer: deciduous, perennial, large shrub Size at maturity: 15' tall, 9-12' wide Light requirements: full sun, part sun/part shade Moisture requirements: moist to wet soil Bloom Time: May - August (May - July in the Portland Metro area) Growth rate/ease: f