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
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AHS Heat Zone
7 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 7
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Sunset Zone
1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
5'-10' / 1.5m - 3.0m
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Width
5'-8' / 1.5m - 2.4m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer
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Native To
Europe
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Habit
Thicket/Colonizing
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White
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Fruit Color
Indigo, Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Light Yellow, Tan
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Bark Color
Dark Red, Dark Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes