This multi-stemmed, upright, deciduous shrub, typically reaching 6–9 feet in height with an 8–12 foot spread, is native to most of North America, and displays leaves in a range of colors throughout the year. In spring and summer (typically May to June), the leaves are green with clusters of small, but fragrant, flat-topped white flowers. These flowers eventually give way to whitish-blue fruits that are quite attractive to birds and ornamental in their own right. In the fall, the stems turn shades of red and orange, eventually deepening to purple. But come late fall and winter, the dogwood sheds its leaves and enters its most striking form, as its thick stems turn a vivid red or sometimes yellow. Plant in full sun to light shade. Hardy to Zone 3. Images from The Arboretum at PSU.
Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’ red-twig dogwood
Description
This multi-stemmed, upright, deciduous shrub, typically reaching 6–9 feet in height with an 8–12 foot spread, is native to most of North America, and displays leaves in a range of colors throughout the year. In spring and summer (typically May to June), the leaves are green with clusters of small, but fragrant, flat-topped white flowers. These flowers eventually give way to whitish-blue fruits that are quite attractive to birds and ornamental in their own right. In the fall, the stems turn shades of red and orange, eventually deepening to purple. But come late fall and winter, the dogwood sheds its leaves and enters its most striking form, as its thick stems turn a vivid red or sometimes yellow. Plant in full sun to light shade. Hardy to Zone 3. Images from The Arboretum at PSU.
