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
o 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