Cornus sericea, commonly known as Red Osier Dogwood, is a native deciduous shrub found in wetlands, streambanks, and along the edges of woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This plant is known for its striking red stems, which provide vibrant winter interest and contrast against snow or the bare landscape. In late spring, it produces small, white flowers arranged in flat-topped clusters, followed by white to blue berries that are attractive to birds. The leaves turn reddish-purple in the fall, adding further seasonal beauty.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cornus sericea is a great choice for rain gardens, streamside plantings, or naturalized landscapes, providing visual interest, wildlife habitat, and erosion control, especially in moist environments.
Cornus sericea, commonly known as Red Osier Dogwood, is a native deciduous shrub found in wetlands, streambanks, and along the edges of woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun to partial shade.
This plant is known for its striking red stems, which provide vibrant winter interest and contrast against snow or the bare landscape. In late spring, it produces small, white flowers arranged in flat-topped clusters, followed by white to blue berries that are attractive to birds. The leaves turn reddish-purple in the fall, adding further seasonal beauty.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Cornus sericea is a great choice for rain gardens, streamside plantings, or naturalized landscapes, providing visual interest, wildlife habitat, and erosion control, especially in moist environments.
Bloom time: late spring to early summer
Habitats: interdunal swales; fens; moist sandy thickets; sandy areas along rivers; sandy ditches; shrub swamps; shrubby bogs
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist
Plant type (height): shrub (3 to 9 feet)
Requirements: full sun to partial sun
Soil: loam; sand; silt
