Cornus sericea

Deciduous shrub

Plant in spring or fall; blooms in late spring to early summer

Full sun to partial shade; thrives best in at least 6 hours of sunlight daily

50 to 65°F (10°C to 18°C)

Loamy, well-draining soil; tolerates clay or sand

3–7 (USDA)

4–12 weeks

Slightly acidic to neutral (6.1 to 8.5)

Requires regular watering, especially during dry periods; prefers wet soil conditions

Apply a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer to promote healthy growth

Upright, spreading habit

Seeds (but very slow) and cuttings taken in late fall or early winter

6–9 ft

8–12ft

Small, frothy white flowers in large clusters

Birds and butterflies

Provides year-round color in the landscape, used for basket weaving

Shrubs like ninebark, elderberry, viburnums, and willows; perennials such as asters, goldenrods, Joe-Pye weed, and coneflowers; grasses like switchgrass, little bluestem, and sedges; and various ferns

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead or damaged branches and thin out older stems to encourage new growth

Not toxic to pets or humans

Mites, scales, gnats, mealybugs, and aphids

Fungal diseases like powdery mildew, leaf spots, and anthracnose, as well as other conditions like canker and root rot

Indigenous peoples of North America used the inner bark of red osier dogwood in various ways, including smoking mixtures (often called “kinnikinick”), dyes, and medicinal remedies