Species › Plants › Red Osier Dogwood

Red Osier Dogwood

Cornus sericea

CommonPlant
Illustration of Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

Red Osier Dogwood is a multi-stemmed shrub whose brilliant blood-red winter stems provide some of the most striking color in the dormant landscape. It grows in moist to wet habitats from coast to coast and is among the most valuable native shrubs for wildlife. Over 40 bird species consume its white berries, and it provides dense nesting cover.

Habitat
Wet meadows, stream banks, and forest edges across North America
Diet
Berries eaten by 40+ bird species; dense cover for nesting songbirds
How common
Common

Best time to see a Red Osier Dogwood

The best time to see a Red Osier Dogwood is March–July, when about 60% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 22,309 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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