Cornus sericea

Also known as Red Willow, Redtwig Dogwood, Creek Dogwood, American Dogwood

Red osier dogwood forms dense thickets along stream banks, marshes, and moist woodland edges throughout North America. Its vibrant crimson stems provide striking winter color after autumn leaves drop, while dense clusters of white summer flowers yield pale berries that sustain dozens of bird species. The shrub spreads readily through underground runners, making it a powerful soil stabilizer against riverbank erosion.