Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea
One of Alberta's most striking shrubs across every season — flat white flower clusters in spring, white berries in summer, and blazing red stems through winter. Bark traditionally used in medicine and cordage. Excellent for riparian restoration and as a wildlife hedge; suckers freely to form thickets.
Quick Facts
Distribution
Province-wide (moist areas), Zone 2
Light
Full sun, moist
Bloom Time
May–June
Soil
Moist to wet; tolerates clay, flooding, and alkaline pH
Water
Consistently moist to wet
Growing & Cultivation
Propagation
Among the easiest natives to propagate. Hardwood cuttings (15–25 cm) stuck deep in moist soil in late fall or early spring root at near-100%. Also by division of suckers in spring. Seed needs 60+ days cold stratification.
Pruning / Splitting
Cut back 1/3 of oldest stems to the ground each spring for the brightest red winter colour (new growth is most vividly coloured)
