Red osier dogwood is a hardy native shrub valued for its striking year-round appearance and strong ecological benefits. It is especially known for its vivid red stems that stand out in winter landscapes. In warmer months it produces clusters of white flowers followed by pale berries that support wildlife, while its dense growth habit provides shelter and food for birds and other species.
Quick Facts
- Height: approximately 6 feet in urban settings
- Spread: approximately 8 feet in urban settings
- Form: upright crown with spreading branches; may aggressively spread
- Leaves: simple, medium green above and paler green below, ovate with smooth edges; emerge in spring; bright orange to red to purple in fall.
- Flowers: small, white, flat-topped clusters; emerge in early summer small, white, flat-topped clusters; emerge in early summer Fruit: small, white, round, fleshy clusters of drupes containing seeds and borne on red stems; mature in summer
Distinguishing Feature
Its bright red stems are the most recognizable feature, especially in winter when they provide strong visual interest in the landscape. In summer, its white flower clusters and white berries also help identify it.
Why We Love It
Red osier dogwood provides year-round interest with its changing seasonal features. It supports pollinators with its flowers and provides food and habitat for birds and other wildlife through its berries and dense branching structure. Its vigorous growth and adaptability make it well suited for naturalized plantings, rain gardens and restoration projects.
Did You Know?
- Red osier dogwood has long been used by Indigenous Peoples for tools, basketry and medicinal purposes and continues to be part of ongoing cultural and ecological knowledge today
- It is widely used in streambank stabilization and wetland restoration because its dense roots help hold soil in place
- It is especially noticeable in winter landscapes across Ontario when its bright red stems stand out along wetlands, shorelines and waterways
- Its foliage supports a variety of native moth and butterfly larvae, while its flowers and berries provide food for pollinators and birds through the growing season
Plant Your Own!
Adding a red osier dogwood to your yard provides seasonal beauty, wildlife habitat and strong ecological benefits. Plant for less with LEAF’s subsidized Shrub Planting Program today!
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. We envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.
