Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a widespread native species in North America, occurring over most of the continent. The red osier dogwood hardiness zone is 2 to 8. “Sericea” is Latin for silky and refers to the fine hairs found on the leaves and new twigs. Cornus sericea is a 3-to-9-foot-tall shrub that can be recognized by its flat, umbrella-like cluster of small four or five-petal white flowers that smell like honey. Its flowers attract honeybees, bumble bees, birds, including bluebirds, cardinals, catbirds, grosbeaks, robins, thrushes, waxwings, and the Northern Mockingbird. It is a larval host for 111 species of caterpillars including the Spring Azure butterfly. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil, and it can survive in full sun to partial shade. It’s a deciduous shrub, blooming in late spring, with gorgeous white berries appearing in summer. Did you know the Indigenous people communed with the red osier dogwood by smoking it like tobacco? At Portland Plant Paradise, we offer all shop customers a free consult, and we look forward to speaking with you such that you and your red osier dogwood thrive together. Please note that although the red osier dogwood is a hermaphrodite plant that has male and female reproductive organs within each flower, the blooms and berries of this tree can be fostered via cross-pollination. In fact, red osier dogwood relies on cross-pollination for its flowers and berries. Moreover, cross-pollination means more genetic diversity within the species. Self-pollination is possible, but it’s simply not as fruitful. This offer is $75 for two organic 6 inch rooted seedlings. Free shipping. Please know that we do not mail out to PO Boxes without explicit customer permission in writing.