Red Osier Dogwood, Western dogwood

Cornus sericea

Physical Characteristics

Cornus sericea is a deciduous Shrub growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

N. America - Newfoundland to New York, west to Alaska and California. Naturalized in Britain[17].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Ground Cover; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Oil Fruit - raw or cooked[105, 161, 257]. Juicy[101]. Bitter and unpalatable according to some reports[2], it was mixed with other fruits such as juneberries (Amelanchier spp) and then dried for winter use by native North Americans[257]. The fruit can cause nausea[172]. The fruit is up to 9mm in diameter[200]. Seed[101]. No more details are given, but the seeds are quite small and woody, looking rather less than edible[K]. An edible oil is obtained from the seed[4].

Medicinal Uses

Analgesic Astringent Febrifuge Miscellany Poultice Purgative Skin Stimulant Tonic Red osier dogwood was widely employed by several native North American Indian tribes who valued it especially for its astringent and tonic bark, using it both internally and externally to treat diarrhoea, fevers, skin problems etc[257]. It is little used in modern herbalism. The bark and the root bark are analgesic, astringent, febrifuge, purgative, slightly stimulant and tonic[4, 172, 257]. Drying the bark removes its tendency to purge[172]. A decoction has been used in the treatment of headaches, diarrhoea, coughs, colds and fevers[257]. Externally, the decoction has been used as a wash for sore eyes, styes and other infections and also to treat skin complaints such as poison ivy rash and ulcers[257]. The bark shavings have been applied as a dressing on wounds to stop the bleeding[257]. A poultice of the soaked inner bark, combined with ashes, has been used to alleviate pain[257]. The plant is said to have cured hydrophobia[4].

Known Hazards

None known