Species

Cornus sericeaRedosier Dogwood

12 other cultivars

shrubN. America Native

Yellow Twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea'

The Story

Plant Bio

Redosier Dogwood is a multi-stemmed, suckering deciduous shrub native to much of North America, valued for its tolerance of wet soils and its colorful winter stems.

'Flaviramea' is a popular cultivar grown specifically for its brilliant, chartreuse-yellow winter stems. This striking color provides a vibrant contrast against snow, evergreens, or the red stems of other dogwoods.

Uses & Benefits:

This shrub's primary value is its stunning winter display of bright yellow stems, which are particularly dramatic against a snowy backdrop or a dark evergreen hedge. It provides a powerful punch of color during the grayest months of the year.

Its tolerance for wet soils makes it an excellent choice for rain gardens, bioswales, and stabilizing stream banks. Its suckering habit allows it to form dense thickets, which can be used for informal screening or erosion control.

As a North American native, it provides significant wildlife value. Its spring flowers support pollinators, and the white berries that follow are eaten by numerous bird species. The dense thickets also offer cover and nesting sites for wildlife.

SpeciesCornus sericeaRedosier Dogwood

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

Medium-lived shrub

Native To

North America (Cultivar of native species)

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late spring – Early summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Choose a site with full sun to part shade and moist soil.
This shrub is very adaptable and tolerates poor drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the pot.
Set the plant at the same level it was growing in the nursery pot.
Backfill with soil and water in well.
It will spread by suckers to form a thicket over time.

Pro Tip

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

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide plenty of moisture; it loves wet feet.
Plant in full sun for the brightest winter stem color.
Prune regularly to encourage colorful new growth.
Use in mass plantings for the best winter effect.

Don't

Don't plant in very dry, arid locations.
Avoid letting it get overgrown with old, gray stems.
Don't be afraid to prune it hard; it's very resilient.
Don't worry about deer; they generally leave it alone.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Vibrant winter interest in mass plantingsNaturalizing in moist or boggy areasStriking contrast in a mixed shrub border

Companion Plants

Cornus sericea 'Baileyi' (for red stems)Salix discolor Betula nigra Iris versicolor Panicum virgatum

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yellow Twig Dogwood questions

What zones can Yellow Twig Dogwood grow in?

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 Yellow Twig Dogwood deer resistant?

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

When does Yellow Twig Dogwood bloom?

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 Yellow Twig Dogwood need full sun?

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