Redtwig Dogwood

Redtwig Dogwood

Cornus sericea

Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)

▲ ▼ plants in winter, showing off bright red stems

▲ mature plant

▲ ▼ leaves and fruit

▲ ▼ leaves and fruit

▲ red twig with white lenticels (dots)

Location on or near campus: not known

Cornus sericea: Redosier Dogwood, Redtwig Dogwood

• leaves deciduous, opposite, simple, entire margined, medium to dark green above and glaucous below, 2-5" long and 1/2 as wide
• stems slender, bright red to blood red on new growth, prominent lenticels, pith large and white; older stems grayish brown
  • one cultivar ‘Flaviramea’ (Yellowtwig Dogwood) has bright yellow twigs instead of red
• flowers are white in flat topped cymes in late spring, but not really showy
• fruit is a white drupe
• grows 7-9' tall and equal to wider spread; develops stolons and branches from base of plant to allow it to form colonies
• prefers full sun, but shade tolerant; grows in any soil, but prefers wet soils
• fast growth rate
• prone to a twig blight or canker which can kill out stems; old stems should be removed periodically to keep younger, colorful stems dominant
• native to Missouri