Cornaceae: Dogwood Family

Western Red / Creek Dogwood – Cornus sericea subsp. occidentalis

Blooms:

May–July

Plant Height:

1–6 m

Flower Size:

Large cluster

Origin:

Native

Habitat:

Moist areas, streamsides

Notes:

A common large shrub found in moist places, with clusters of small cruciform flowers and creamy white fruits.  Mature stems are red, providing an attractive contrast to the leaf color.  This plant is sold commercially, under the name Red-twig or Red-stem Dogwood.  Leaves are deciduous with 4–7 pairs of veins.

The number of leaf veins separates this from the less common Brown Dogwood (Cornus glabrata), not shown, which has only 3–4 veins.  Brown Dogwood is found inland and in the southern parts of the county.