Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a medium to tall deciduous shrub. It can grow 6-15 feet tall and 5-10 feet wide depending on site conditions, and spreads to form dense thickets. It is attractive year-round with red winter twigs (especially in sunny sites), creamy-white flower clusters, red to purple fall color, and bluish green to white fruits. This plant grows large, but annual pruning will keep it right sized and encourage red twig growth.
Classification: Perennial
Key Characteristics: White flower clusters, fruit
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Water Requirements: Moist soil
Ease of Growing: High
Growth Rate: Fast
Bloom Time: May–June
Spreads: By underground stems
Benefits: Wildlife, Rain garden, Pollinators, Wildfire resistant, Riparian zones, Deer resistant, On Portland Plant List, Hummingbirds
Edible: No
Mature Height: 15 feet
Mature Width: 6–9 feet
