It can be found along streams and ditches, around the edges of ponds, and in almost any damp depression, whether natural or man-made. Grey and red osier dogwoods enjoy a wide distribution that includes the northern, temperate climates of the United States. Red osier prefers the moist soils of damp woodlands, riparian zones, flood plains, and in some cases, mesic woods and moist flats. Grey dogwood is often found in slightly drier areas, including mesic prairies. The flowers produce samaras during summer and fall, and the wind disperses the fruits to suitable habitats for germination.
Reproduction can also take place vegetatively through suckers, sprouts, and root shoots.
Boxelders are aggressively opportunistic and tend to shade out smaller, herbaceous flora in wetlands and other areas. Flowers bloom between March and July, depending on region. Fruits are generally borne in September or October, and are dispersed by gravity, birds, and other animals. Germination of the seeds occurs the following spring. The best natural seed beds are moist, well-drained, rich loams.