shrubN. America Native

Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea 'Bud'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Shrub

Height

84 inches

Width

96 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

Medium to Wet

Humidity

Adaptable

Lifespan

Deciduous shrub, 15-25 years

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic, but berries are not palatable

The Story

Plant Bio

Cornus sericea is a multi-stemmed, suckering, deciduous shrub known for its striking stem color in winter. It produces flat-topped clusters of white flowers in spring followed by whitish berries. 'Bud's Yellow' is a cultivar selected for its brilliant, chartreuse-yellow winter stems, which provide a stunning contrast against snow or dark backgrounds. It is a vigorous and adaptable shrub.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Its primary ornamental feature is the stunning display of bright yellow stems in the bleak winter landscape. It provides a dramatic and cheerful effect, especially when planted in groups or against a dark backdrop.

Excellent for soil stabilization on moist banks and slopes due to its suckering habit. It's a great choice for rain gardens or other areas with consistently damp soil where other shrubs might fail.

This North American native provides flowers for pollinators in spring and berries for dozens of bird species in late summer. The thicket-forming habit also offers valuable cover and nesting sites for wildlife.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun for best stem color, or partial shade.
This shrub thrives in moist to wet soils but tolerates average conditions.
Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and twice as wide.
Place the shrub in the hole, ensuring it's at the same soil level.
Backfill with soil, firm gently, and water thoroughly.
Mulch to retain soil moisture, especially in drier sites.

Pro Tip

For the most vibrant yellow stem color, prune out one-third of the oldest, thickest stems to the ground each year in late winter.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide consistent moisture, especially in the first year.
Prune annually in late winter to stimulate colorful new growth.
Plant in masses for the most dramatic winter effect.
Allow it to naturalize in informal or woodland settings.

Don't

Don't let the soil completely dry out for long periods.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which reduces stem color and density.
Don't shear the plant into a formal shape; it ruins its natural habit.
Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it is very resilient.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Propagate
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Brilliant winter interest in mass plantingsEffective for erosion control on banksNaturalistic plantings and rain gardens

Companion Plants

Cornus sericea 'Baileyi' Salix discolor Ilex verticillata Panicum virgatum Betula nigra

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood questions

What zones can Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood grow in?

Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood deer resistant?

Yes — Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood bloom?

Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood need full sun?

Bud's Yellow Twig Dogwood does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.