Dogwood, Red Osier, Bare Root

Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) 

Red Osier Dogwood is a vigorous, multi-stemmed native shrub known for its vivid red stems in winter, pollinator-friendly spring flowers, and clusters of white berries loved by birds. Found across much of North America, it thrives in moist soils, making it a top choice for streambank restoration, wet meadows, woodland edges, and native hedgerows. Its year-round beauty and ecological value make it one of the most useful shrubs in restorative and regenerative plantings.

Key Characteristics

• High-Value Fruit and Cover for Wildlife
  Clusters of small white berries ripen in late summer and are quickly eaten by songbirds, waterfowl, and game birds. The dense branching structure offers nesting and shelter for birds and browse for deer. The fruit is not typically eaten by humans but plays an important ecological role.
• Pollinator-Friendly Blooms
  In late spring to early summer, Red Osier Dogwood blooms with flat-topped clusters of small white flowers that attract native bees, butterflies, and syrphid flies. It supports a variety of insect life, including serving as a larval host plant for certain moth species.
• Winter Interest and Erosion Control
  Its signature bright red stems stand out against snow and bare ground, offering striking winter interest. The extensive root system holds soil well, making it especially effective for streambank stabilization, erosion control, and restoration of disturbed or degraded sites.
• Tolerates Wet Conditions and Naturalizes Easily
  Red Osier is well adapted to medium to wet soils, especially along streams, ditches, pond edges, and lowland woods. It spreads by stolons and suckers, forming thickets over time—ideal for wildlife corridors and riparian buffers.
• Excellent for Meadows, Streambanks, and Native Hedgerows
  This shrub layers well with elderberry, buttonbush, and viburnum in wetland-edge plantings, and can be used in succession planning to build structure and support wildlife in reforestation and permaculture projects.

Product Details

• Native Range: Most of North America
• Plant Life Cycle: Deciduous shrub
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to part shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to wet
• Mature Height: 6–9 feet
• Bloom Time: May–June
• Bloom Color: White
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 2–8

Red Osier Dogwood is one of the most ecologically valuable and visually striking native shrubs, especially in moist and riparian habitats. A powerful tool for wildlife support, erosion control, and seasonal beauty in regenerative landscapes.