Red twig / red osier dogwood
Cornus sericea
Red twig / red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 6–10 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun to part. Native riparian. Brilliant red winter stems are the main draw. Suckers — good for naturalized wet edges.
Colorado nativemedium to high water6–10 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Cornus sericea
- Variety / cultivar
- 'Cardinal', 'Isanti', 'Arctic Fire'
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 6–10 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- full sun to part
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Good for
- rain garden
Planting & establishment
Needs reliable moisture — not for dry sites. Cut 1/3 of oldest stems each spring for vivid red winter color.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Red twig / red osier dogwood good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Red twig / red osier dogwood is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a shrub suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Red twig / red osier dogwood get?
- It matures to about 6–10 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide.
- How much water does Red twig / red osier dogwood need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- Is Red twig / red osier dogwood native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
