Cornus stolonifera

Identification

Gallery

Description

The American Dogwood is an elegant open shrub with creamy white flower clusters in spring and red stems. Cornus sericea ssp. occidentalis is nearly identical to C. stolonifera, they vary only in small taxonomic ways such as the shape of the hairs on the leaf, and the ridges or the absence of, on the seed, etc. It can be found in moist areas, in sun or shade. It is often found along the banks of streams or other riparian habitats. The Red Stem Dogwood has green foliage and is deciduous in winter, exposing its attractive red bark. This dogwood is a must for winter interest in the garden, is lovely in the spring when the plant is covered with clusters of creamy flowers, and is perfect adjacent to a lawn as a backdrop. Along a real or artificial streambed, this dogwood is in its element, becoming a shrub up to 12 feet high and as wide or wider, growing best with afternoon shade. This fruit of this dogwood attracts many birds. Syn: Cornus sericea ssp. sericea.