Red-osier Dogwood
Cornus stolonifera
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
36"–120" H × 36"–120" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
MT
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Red-osier dogwood is a native shrub that forms dense colonies through underground runners. It produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring and summer, followed by white berries, and is prized for its bright red winter stems that add year-round color to the landscape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Red-osier Dogwood is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone, backyard only.
- Spreads aggressively by runners and can overtake other plants
- May appear bare and woody during leafless months
- Requires regular pruning to maintain neat appearance
Wildlife value
Host plant for spring azure, cecropia moth.
The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles during the growing season. Birds feed on the white berries in fall, and the dense branching structure provides excellent nesting habitat and winter cover.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Red-osier Dogwood fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.