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, fast-growing, needs medium to high water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Native riparian. Brilliant red winter stems are the main draw. Suckers, good for naturalized wet edges.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listmedium to high water6–10 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide
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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
- Planting spacing
- ~12 ft apart (8 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 2–7
- Growth rate
- Fast
- Fall color
- Red, purple
- Water needs
- medium to high water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 5.5–7.5
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- low
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zone 3 only (site it well away from structures)
- Bloom color
- white
- Bloom time
- late spring
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Site uses
- Rain gardens
Things to know before you plant
- Spreads aggressivelyRed-twig dogwood, spreads via stoloniferous roots
- SuckersIt suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds.
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- moderate
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- riparian, foothills
Planting & establishment
Needs reliable moisture, not for dry sites. Cut 1/3 of oldest stems each spring for vivid red winter color.
- Fruit: wildlife (birds/wildlife).
Frequently asked questions
- Is Red twig / red osier dogwood good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Red twig / red osier dogwood is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Red twig / red osier dogwood?
- The main things to know: Red-twig dogwood, spreads via stoloniferous roots It suckers from the base or roots, so remove shoots to keep it in bounds. It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Red twig / red osier dogwood get?
- It matures to about 6–10 ft tall and 8–12 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Red twig / red osier dogwood?
- Space Red twig / red osier dogwood about 12 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 8 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Red twig / red osier dogwood hardy on the Front Range?
- Red twig / red osier dogwood is hardy in USDA 2–7. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Red twig / red osier dogwood need?
- It needs medium to high water once established.
- How fast does Red twig / red osier dogwood grow?
- Red twig / red osier dogwood is a fast-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- What color does Red twig / red osier dogwood turn in fall?
- Red twig / red osier dogwood turns red and purple in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Red twig / red osier dogwood native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Red twig / red osier dogwood deer-resistant?
- No. Red twig / red osier dogwood is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
- Is Red twig / red osier dogwood a good firewise plant near the house?
- Red twig / red osier dogwood is suitable in defensible-space zone 3 only, site it well away from structures. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
