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| ## redosier dogwood {#redosier-dogwood .Title-Header}                 |
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| *Cornus sericea* L. ssp. *sericea*                                    |
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| Plant Symbol = COSES                                                  |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS Plant Materials Program

##### ![Color image of Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)](media/image2.jpeg){width="3.0in" height="2.0in"}Alternate Names {#color-image-of-redosier-dogwood-cornus-sericeaalternate-names .Header-3}

Cornus stolonifera *Michx.*

##### Uses {#uses .Header-3}

The primary use of this species is for streambank protection. It can be
planted alone or with other species, such as willows. Other beneficial
uses are for fish and wildlife habitat improvement, windbreaks, slope
stabilization, borders, and as an ornamental.

##### Status {#status .Header-3}

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status (e.g. threatened or endangered
species, state noxious status, and wetland indicator values).

##### Description {#description .Header-3}

Redosier dogwood is a large shrub, often 6-9 feet in height. The growth
habit is upright rounded, but where stems are in contact with the
ground, roots are formed. This behavior creates thickets. This dogwood
has bright red stems in the fall, winter and early spring, which turn
greenish in the summer. It also has white pith, dark green ovate leaves,
white flowers, and whitish colored fruit. There are 18,500 seeds per
pound.

##### Adaptation and Distribution {#adaptation-and-distribution .Header-3}

Redosier dogwood is adapted from Ohio to Maine and south to northern
Virginia and New Jersey. It performs best in soils that are moist,
somewhat poorly drained, moderately acidic to neutral, and in areas that
have medium to coarse soils. It is tolerant of some shade but not of
droughty conditions.

For a current distribution map, please consult the Plant Profile page
for this species on the PLANTS Website.

##### Establishment {#establishment .Header-3}

Streambanks that have steep slopes must first be graded. The slope
should be 1:1 or flatter. Any trees considered unstable should be
removed. One year old rooted cuttings should be used for planting. Plant
in early spring, preferably before May. Do not plant after June 1. Plant
the cuttings two feet apart for streambank erosion control, four to six
feet apart for wildlife habitat. Establishment with other species, such
as willow and other riparian species, is a good practice. On sites with
banks that may become dry over the summer, utilize redosier dogwood next
to the water, with willows above. Immediately after planting, grasses
and legumes may be planted to provide initial stabilization. After 2 or
3 years the dogwoods will become effective. The cultivar \'Ruby\' is
vulnerable to livestock browsing. In order to ensure survival, fencing
must be incorporated into the plan.

Redosier dogwood can also be mixed with willows in soil bioengineering
methods. Stems can be used in live fascines, brush layering and brush
mattressing.

Rooted hardwood cuttings are taken in January, allowed to develop callus
in refrigerated storage, and planted in mid-May in well drained soil 2
inches apart. The cuttings should be 1/4-1/2 inch in diameter and 9 to
12 inches long. They should be planted with about 2 inches exposed above
ground level. Rooting hormone is recommended to enhance success in the
nursery.

##### Management {#management .Header-3}

Erosion is a continuous process and, because of this, careful management
is required at these streambank plantings. The areas should be examined
each spring after the major runoff period has ended. Areas where
vegetation has been destroyed must be immediately replaced with new
plants. If any mechanical measures are being used to prevent erosion,
they must also be maintained to prevent any more damage.

##### Pests and Potential Problems {#pests-and-potential-problems .Header-3}

\'Ruby\' redosier dogwood has few problems with disease or insect pests.
There has been some problem with cicadas stinging the stems. Lesions and
cankers may also occur. However, these are not pathogenic and are
thought to just be the tree\'s reaction to injury.

##### Cultivars, Improved, and Selected Materials (and area of origin) {#cultivars-improved-and-selected-materials-and-area-of-origin .Header-3}

\'Ruby\' (NY) redosier dogwood was released in 1988 from the Big Flats,
NY Plant Materials Center. It is available from commercial nurseries.

##### Prepared By & Species Coordinator:  {#prepared-by-species-coordinator .Header-3}

USDA NRCS Northeast Plant Materials Program

##### 

##### Edited: 01Feb2002 JLK; 25may06jsp {#edited-01feb2002-jlk-25may06jsp .Header-4}

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA\'s [TARGET
Center](http://www.usda.gov/oo/target.htm) at 202-720-2600 (voice and
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*To file a complaint of discrimination write USDA, Director, Office of
Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 14th and Independence
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