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CORNUS sanguinea

Image of Cornus sanguinea

JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University

Family

Cornaceae

Botanical Name

CORNUS sanguinea

Plant Common Name

Bloodtwig Dogwood

General Description

Bloodtwig dogwood is a multi-stemmed, large, deciduous shrub with upright branches and a spreading, suckering habit. This European native is grown for its colorful young stems of blood red that turn dark red-green to brown as they age. In early summer it produces many flattened, rounded clusters of white flowers followed by small, oval, blue-black fruits that are attractive to birds. In autumn, its green simple leaves turn shades of yellow and orange before dropping. The twigs are also brightly colored and remain attractive through winter.

This shrub grows best in sites with full sun to partial shade and fertile, well-drained but moist soil. It suckers readily and should be hard pruned each year, while dormant, to keep colorful new branches coming and to maintain a manageable size. Cold tolerant and tough, bloodtwig dogwood is a great plant for an informal screen or naturalistic garden.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    7 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    4 - 7

  • Sunset Zone

    1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m

  • Width

    5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer

  • Native To

    Europe

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Habit

    Thicket/Colonizing

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White

  • Fruit Color

    Indigo, Black

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green, Light Yellow, Tan

  • Bark Color

    Dark Red, Dark Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    Yes

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Matte

  • Evergreen

    No

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Hedges, Screening / Wind Break

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes