Summary
Red osier dogwood (Swida sericea) is a deciduous shrub with high wildlife value and ornamental appeal. Growing 6-9′ tall, this suckering shrub is useful for controlling erosion on streambanks and on slopes. Low branches that are in contact with water or soil eventually sprout roots, making this species easy to propagate. Red stems create a vibrant contrast with the winter landscape. Color is more pronounced on on younger stems, and many gardeners prune their shrubs to spur regrowth. Some gardeners prune all stems back to 8-12″ in early spring every 2-3 years, while others prune of up to 25% of the oldest stems annually. Pruning all stems means the plant will offer less forage to wildlife, as it will not flower or fruit. White flower clusters borne in late spring are attractive to pollinators, including several pollen specialist bees. Flowers transform into round white fruits that are eaten by many songbird species. Many caterpillar species feed on the foliage.
This dogwood is a very adaptable shrub and can be grown in full to part sun in a variety of soil types, but it prefers moist soil. It is a suitable companion for other moisture-loving shrubs such as buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), summer sweet clethra (Clethra alnifolia), and highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum). Zones 3-8.
Formerly known as Cornus sericea. A 2019 genetic study found that the Cornacea family contained multiple evolutionarily distinct groups.
- Benthamidia (big-bracted dogwoods), woody with large petaloid bracts,
- Swida (blue- and white-fruited dogwoods), woody and without petaloid bracts
- Chamaepericlymenum (dwarf dogwoods), herbaceous plants
- Cornus (Cornelian cherries), woody plants
These groups were given their own genus names to reflect the fact that, although they share morphological characteristics, they diverged from their common ancestor millions of years ago. Other factors, such as distribution ranges and hybridization patterns support this new way of looking at this family.
Silver and Gold red osier dogwood (Swida sericea ‘Silver and Gold’) is a cultivar with variegated leaves and yellow stems. Silver and Gold red osier dogwood (photo 4) was found as a branch sport of Swida sericea ‘Flaviramea’ and introduced by Mt. Cuba Center in 1988. It also won the prestigious Styer Award of Garden Merit in 1990 from the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. Formerly known as Cornus sericea ‘Silver and Gold’.
More Details
- Plant Type
shrub - Sun/Shade Conditions
full-sun-to-partial-shade - Foliage Character
deciduous - Soil Moisture
average-to-wet - Flowering Period
late-spring - Soil PH
adaptable - Flower Color
white - Summer Foliage Color
green, variegated - Other Scientific Names
Cornus sericea
Cornus stolonifera
Cornus alba
- Fall Foliage Color
bronze-to-reddish, orange - Other Common Names
Red twig dogwood, Redosier dogwood - Fruit/Seed Color
white
Additional Information
Missouri Botanical Garden, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Illinois Wildflowers