Yellowtwig Dogwood

Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea'

Cornaceae (Dogwood Family)

▲▼ plants in winter showing yellow stems

▲ flowers in summer

▲ twigs and leaves

 Location on campus:  toward southeast corner of retention basin at southwest corner of Grand and National; shrubs line concrete drainage path

Cornus sericea: Yellowtwig 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 yellow on new growth, prominent lenticels, pith large and white; older stems grayish brown

o   original species, Redosier Dogwood or Redtwig Dogwood has bright red stems instead of yellow

·         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