When does red-osier dogwood bloom?

Red-osier dogwood typically flowers from May through July, producing flat clusters of small white blooms at the branch tips.

What pollinators visit red-osier dogwood flowers?

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, which visit for nectar and pollen during the bloom period.

How much water does red-osier dogwood need?

This shrub prefers consistently moist to wet soil and is a good fit for streambanks, ditches, and low spots where water collects after rain.

How much sun does red-osier dogwood need?

It grows best in part sun but adapts to conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, especially when soil moisture stays high.

Does red-osier dogwood lose its leaves in winter?

Yes, it is deciduous. After the leaves drop, the smooth red stems remain a notable feature through the colder months.

Is Red-osier Dogwood toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Red-osier Dogwood as toxic to livestock.

Is Red-osier Dogwood HOA-friendly?

Red-osier Dogwood is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Red-osier Dogwood

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cornus sericea

Last reviewed: September 2026

Cornus sericea is a multi-stemmed shrub with bright red winter stems and clusters of small white flowers from May through July. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soil in part sun and is often used along streambanks and in rain gardens.

Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Red-osier Dogwood as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

72"–180" H × 72"–180" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 31 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Deer

Resistant (per Prairie Moon Nursery)

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Red-osier dogwood is a deciduous shrub with striking red stems that provide winter interest. It grows 6-15 feet tall and wide, preferring partial sun and consistently moist soil. White flower clusters in late spring are followed by white berries.

Growing Red-osier Dogwood

Grow Red-osier Dogwood in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 72 to 180 inches tall and spread 72 to 180 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Can spread aggressively in optimal conditions
Requires regular moisture which may conflict with drought restrictions
May look bare in winter despite colorful stems

Wildlife value

Host plant for spring azure butterfly.

Attracts multiple pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles. Birds feed on the berries and the dense growth provides good nesting habitat.

Common questions

When does red-osier dogwood bloom?: Red-osier dogwood typically flowers from May through July, producing flat clusters of small white blooms at the branch tips.
What pollinators visit red-osier dogwood flowers?: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles, which visit for nectar and pollen during the bloom period.
How much water does red-osier dogwood need?: This shrub prefers consistently moist to wet soil and is a good fit for streambanks, ditches, and low spots where water collects after rain.
How much sun does red-osier dogwood need?: It grows best in part sun but adapts to conditions ranging from full sun to part shade, especially when soil moisture stays high.
Does red-osier dogwood lose its leaves in winter?: Yes, it is deciduous. After the leaves drop, the smooth red stems remain a notable feature through the colder months.
Is Red-osier Dogwood toxic to dogs?: Red-osier Dogwood is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Red-osier Dogwood toxic to cats?: Red-osier Dogwood is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Red-osier Dogwood toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Red-osier Dogwood as toxic to livestock.
Is Red-osier Dogwood HOA-friendly?: Red-osier Dogwood is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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