Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
The Dogwood Family (Cornacea)

The red-osier dogwood is a deciduous shrub found in moist soils. It can be seen out in the wetlands and along the river out at the arboretum. Its height can be from 6 - 16’ tall.

Leaves

The leaves are 2 - 5”, opposite, elliptical, and pointed. They have veins that curve outward pointing towards the tip and merge with the margin of the leaf. The underside of the leaf is paler and the veins can be prominently seen. In the fall, the leaves can turn a rich color but it is inconsistent.

Flowers

The flowers are white to greenish and grow in a fairly flat-topped cluster. There are 4 petals that are white and 1/8”. There are 4 stamens that are as long as the petals. There are 4 sepals that are minute.

Fruit

The fruits are small and white (occasionally blue-tinged). They are described to be bitter, inedible and unpalatable. Each berry has a somewhat flattened stone.

Quick Reference:

Height: 6 - 16’
Leaves: Opposite, elliptical, pointed, and 2 - 5”
Flowers: White to greenish, 4 petals, 1/8”, flat-topped cluster
Fruit: Small, white, inedible
Habitat: Moist soils in wetlands, along streams.

Photo Location:
Mt. Pisgah Arboretum
Eugene, OR

Bark

In autumn when the leaves fall off, vibrant red, young stems brighten the landscape. “Osier” is a French word that means a long, slender, new shoot.

References

Mathews, Daniel. Cascade-Olympic Natural History. Raven Editions in conjunction with Portland Audubon Society, 1988.
Pojar, Jim, and Andy MacKinnon. Plants of the Pacific Northwest Coast: Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and Alaska (Revised). B.C. Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing, 1994.