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