Native To State: YES
Naturally Occurring: YES
Description
Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood):
Appearance: Red osier dogwood is a deciduous shrub with multiple stems, forming dense thickets.
Leaves: The leaves of Cornus sericea are opposite, simple, and elliptical with smooth margins. They have a deep green color during the growing season.
Stems: The young stems of red osier dogwood are bright red, adding a striking visual contrast during the winter months.
Flowers: The plant produces small, white or cream-colored flowers in flat-topped clusters known as cymes. The flowers are not as showy as those of some other dogwood species.
Fruits: After flowering, red osier dogwood develops small, rounded, and whitish berries that are an important food source for birds and wildlife.
Habitat: This species is native to various regions of North America and can be found in wetlands, marshes, stream banks, and other moist habitats.
Distribution: Red osier dogwood is found in regions ranging from northern Canada to the central and northeastern parts of the United States.
Conservation: Cornus sericea is not considered a threatened species, and its dense growth habit provides valuable wildlife habitat.
Other Species: Cornus sericea is part of the Cornus genus, which includes other dogwood species with diverse characteristics.
Red osier dogwood is valued for its winter interest, with its vibrant red stems adding color to the landscape during the colder months. Its adaptability to wetter environments makes it a useful choice for erosion control and wildlife habitat restoration projects.
Occurrence
Found in lower marshy areas.