235. Red-osier Dogwood

The few Red Osier Dogwoods that we have on Leaning Oaks are along the vernal wetland, in the shadiest, moist part of the ravine. The dense shade makes them difficult to photograph in the entanglement!

Cornus stolonifera has bright, beautiful red  (rarely yellow)stems that make it a great shrub to have in a garden for winter colour. The white flowers are in small flat-topped bunches, followed by blue-tinged  white berries (drupes) that hang in clusters.  Red Osier Dogwood is so named because the twigs are used to make baskets.  

The bright red stem colour is best on younger shoots and gardens often prune heavily to control the height, increase the branching and maintain shoot colour. A number of named forms of this shrub are available including a dwarf selection. Hardwood cuttings are easily rooted in the late fall after leaves have dropped.