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Red Twig Dogwood - Cornus Sericea Red Osier

The Red Twig dogwod, also know as Red Osier is a shrub valued for its vibrant scarlet stems in winter and clusters of white flowers in spring, providing year-round visual appeal to landscapes. This stunning deciduous shrub features striking red stems that bring a bold touch to any outdoor space. With its captivating beauty, versatility, and resilience, this plant is a true gem that can enhance your outdoor sanctuary.

The shrub gets its name from its brilliant scarlet stems, which stand out in the bleakness of winter. The scientific community knows it as Cornus Sericea, which can reach a height of six to nine feet. However, gardeners and plant lovers often call it the scarlet twig. Cornus Sericea is native to North America and is a great yard addition.

Red Twig Dogwoods Aesthetics

It can be identified by its stringy, slightly elastic white pith. The American Indians knew the shrub as kinnikinik, one of 50 species found in North America.

It is known for its bright, scarlet branches and white flowers. The branches are most prominent in winter, and the flowers usually appear in the spring. If left unpruned, it can grow up to nine feet with a nine- to ten-foot canopy. The leaves range from two to five inches and two inches wide with prominent veining. In the summer, the white flowers produce clusters of white or blue-tinged fruits called drupes. Gardeners can watch the leaves change from green to orange in the fall and finally scarlet.

Red Osier Dogwood Attracts Birds 

It produces fruit in the summer that attracts a wide variety of birds. Gardeners can enjoy watching American goldfinches, eastern bluebirds, purple finches, and cardinals. It also attracts butterflies and bees.

Excellent For Borders and Walkways

Red Twig Dogwood can provide visual interest and make a statement in your yard and around your home. These shrubs can be planted in rows or alongside other shrubs and bushes to add variety and create natural borders between property lines. It is prized for its scarlet stems in winter and beautiful white flowers in the spring. It can be planted alongside pussy willow, maiden grass, hibiscus, winterberry, and azaleas to create a beautifully landscaped yard with plenty of curb appeal.