Redosier Dogwood

Attributes:
The redosier dogwood is a distinctive shrub known for its showy winter color. Attractive clusters of spring white flowers produce pea sized white fruits that mature in late summer to early fall. The deep red winter twigs are outstanding for many months of the year. It is extremely hardy and durable with a preference for moist or water logged soils. It is easy to transplant. This shrub can be used for a hedge, border, erosion control on banks and slopes, mass plantings in large areas, along highways, parks, golf courses, and long lasting color in winter gardens.

Wildlife Value:
The redosier dogwood provides dense cover for wildlife. The white berries are eaten by at least 18 species of birds including ruffled grouse, bobwhite quail, wild turkey, and gray catbird. The twigs and foliage are browsed by elk, deer, moose, rabbit, and chipmunk.

History/Lore/Use:
The redosier dogwood is native to North America with a range that extends over most of the United States from Newfoundland to Mexico, California to Virginia. It is also known as red dogwood, redstem dogwood, and red willow.. Native Americans use the inner bark in tobacco mixtures in the sacred pipe ceremony. Some tribes ate the sour berries while others made arrow shafts, bows, stakes, and other tools from the branches and shoots. The leaves, bark, and roots were used to make medicines. Redosier dogwood is used for basket weaving. If the bark is gathered in the early spring, it will retain its deep red color when dried.

Moisture:
The redosier dogwood prefers moist soils and often grows in wet swamp lands. It is not tolerant of excessively dry soil.

Leaves:
The leaves are opposite, simple. ovate to oblong-lancelolate, 2"-5" long, medium to dark green in summer, and ruddy red or purple in the fall.

Flower Color:
Tiny cream to white flowers are borne in 1 1/2"-2 1/2" flat topped cymes or clusters.

Bloom Time:
Mid to late spring..

Fruit Description:
An oval-elongate, dull white drupe or berry, 1/3" diameter with a single stone borne in mid to late summer to early fall.