Red osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera) KOR-nus sto-lon-IF-er-ah Synonyms:  C. sericea Genus:  Cornus Red osier dogwood is a deciduous shrub with a rounded, spreading form. Opposite leaves with rounded bases are ovate to lance-shaped and dark green, turning a dull red, purple-red, or orange in autumn. Clusters of white flowers appear in late May to early June, followed by white to pale blue fruit. Green stems turn reddish or purple-red from late summer into early fall, becoming brighter in winter. Noteworthy Characteristics:  Native from Newfoundland to Manitoba, south to the central U.S.  May be hardy to Zone 2. Use as a screen, in a shrub border, or in mass plantings. Care:  Easy to grow, it prefers moist soil but adapts to a range of soils and locations. Tolerates wet soils. Removing older stems produces vigorous new shoots with vivid coloration. Propagation:  Spreads by suckering. Problems:  Dogwood blight, powdery mildew, Discula blight, canker, bacterial leaf spot, and mushroom root rot. Common: twig borers, weevils, sawfly, scale insects, aphids, leafhoppers, root knot nematodes, and thrips.

Overview

Height 3 ft. to 6 ft. Spread 10 ft. to 15 ft. Growth Habit Runs Growth Pace Fast Grower Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Adaptable Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Interesting Bark, Native Bloom Time Early Summer, Summer Flower Color White Uses Beds and Borders, Screening, Waterside Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Shrubs