shrub · design plant record

Cornus sericea

Red-twig dogwood

A broad deciduous shrub with winter stem colour. Allocate the whole mature clump and room to manage spreading growth.

Height at maturity

1.52–2.74 m (5–9 ft)

Spread at maturity

1.52–3.05 m (5–10 ft)

Light

Sun / Part shade

Moisture

Moist, draining soil / Wet-soil tolerance (check details)

Source-reported USDA zones

2–7 · verify subzone and cultivar

Principal seasonal role

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Fit it to the site

Prefers consistently moist, organic soil; tolerates clay and occasional flooding. Hot southern full sun can cause stress.

Reject a narrow bed that only fits a nursery plant. Source prose says 6–9 ft wide while its dimensions reach 10 ft; this record keeps the larger allowance. Named cultivars differ.

Keep the care in the decision

Young stems provide the strongest colour. Decide whether renewal pruning for stems or retaining more flowering growth is the priority; follow suitable local pruning and nesting guidance.

Origin & safety checks

Much of North America. Natural range does not make it a UK native; confirm local restrictions.

This record makes no food or pet-safety recommendation. Verify exact identity and exposure risks.

Check current invasive restrictions with your local plant-health or extension authority. For pets, use the exact botanical name in a veterinary toxicity reference; for potential ingestion or exposure, get appropriate professional advice rather than relying on a design guide.