STREAM DOGWOOD

Species Name: Cornus sericea
Family: Cornaceae (dogwood family)
Plant Type: Shrub / small tree

Description:  Shrub, spreads by branch tip rooting and underground stems, height to 15 feet, branches reddish to purple, deciduous with bright red autumn color.

Leaf:  Lanceolate to elliptical, tapered at both ends, length to 4 inches, leaf veins in 4-7 pairs.   

 

Flower:  May-July, bisexual, flat topped clusters (2 inches wide) of small, white flowers appearing with and after leaves.

Fruit/Seed:  Berry, white to cream colored, length to 1/4 inch, seed with grooved sides, ripens in late summer.

Typical Location:  Active channel, streamsides, floodplains, moist areas; elevations below 9,000 feet.

Revegetation Approach:  Container.

Key Notes:  A good identifying characteristic is to look for thin latex threads when leaf is pulled apart. Leaf and seed morphology distinguish from red-twig dogwood (C. glabrata).
Notes:  Seeds ripen in summer and persist into winter, making excellent wildlife forage.  Native Americans used plant in basket weaving.