Red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera sp.) is a deciduous shrub found in areas with wet soil in our region.   The shrub has many stems in opposite pairs.  The lower one of the pair is often prostate and forms stolons.   The stems rise up 1 m to 5 m and are reddish.    Older stems start to turn grey.    The shrub’s oval leaves are veined and pointed.

The inflorescence is a flat-topped terminal cluster of white flowers.   The individual florets have 4 petals and stamens.     After flowering, clusters of small white berry-like (drupes) fruits form.   Stone-like seeds form in late summer.

Red-osier dogwood can be found in gullies, next to marshes and perennial streams and river, in drainage areas in open forests, and anywhere with wet soil at lower to mid elevations.

A gallery of images is shared here as a slideshow.   Click this link to go to the album – Red-osier dogwood.

 

Wildlife browse on the soft tips of branches and stems. Traditional people have used the wood for a number of purposes, and many people continue to use it for plantings, decorations, crafts, and herbal remedies.   The berries are bitter, but are eaten by some wildlife.

In the fall, the leaves of red-osier dogwood turn a bright red.   The stems become redder and stand out in the winter snows, a welcome sight.