Red-twig dogwood or cornus sericea is a large, multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub in the dogwood family (Cornaceae) and native to most of North America, including North Carolina. Its showy red stems provide great winter interest. Red Twig Dogwood is a host plant for the Crecopia silkmoth and the Spring and Summer Azure butterflies.

Although it tolerates a range of soil conditions, including wet and dry sites and heavy clay soil, it prefers organically rich, consistently moist soil. Plant it in full sun to partial shade, though plants can become stressed in full sun during our hot southern summers. The brightest color occurs on new stem growth, so prune the plant back in early spring to stimulate more growth. Best grown in zones 2-8.

Growing to a height and width of 6 to 9 feet, it is typically found growing in damp boggy areas, riparian areas, or wetland margins. “Sericea” is Latin for silky and refers to the fine hairs found on the leaves and new twigs.  It grows vigorously and spreads by underground stems to form a colony that can become weedy in some areas, though its spreading roots can help mitigate erosion. If its spread is undesirable, root prune it with a spade. White flowers appear in the early summer, followed by white berries that last into the fall and are a food source for songbirds. The leaves turn attractive shades of orange or red, fading to purple in the fall. When they drop, the showy bright red stems make this plant have true year-round interest.