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Cornell University

Species: Cornus sericea or alba

(kore'nus al'bah)

Cornus sericea or alba

Red Twig Dogwood; Redosier Dogwood; Tatarian Dogwood

Ornamental Characteristics

Shrub 4 to 8 feet

6' - 8' (spread 5' - 8')

Deciduous

rounded

Cut back every year or two to encourage new growth that has the best winter color

Environmental Characteristics

Full sun, Part shade

3a

Can tolerate acid to alkaline soil (pH 5.0 to 8.0)

Tolerates salt spray

adaptable to cold; full sun or partial shade

Occasionally saturated or very wet soil; Consistently moist, well-drained soil; Occasional periods of dry soil
See graphic below

Insect Disease

borers can be a serious problem on weak or stressed shrubs; also - crown canker, flower and leaf blight, leaf spots, powdery mildew, twig blights, root rots, dogwood club gall, leaf miner, scales, and more

Bare Root Transplanting

Easy

Other

Basal pruning required in early spring to maintain bright red stems; easily transplanted; C. Sanquinea also excellent twig color but less hardy (Zone 5). C. alba is native to East Asia; C. sericea is native to North America.

Native Range Map

Native Range Map Image

Moisture Tolerance Graphic

Please view this page on a tablet or larger screen for the moisture graph

Moisture Tolerance

Moisture graphic
Occasionally saturated or very wet soil
Consistently moist, well-drained soil
Occasional periods of dry soil
Prolonged periods of dry soil
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