Overview
Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) Fosberg, commonly known as Western Red Osier Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. This plant is a subspecies of the Cornus sericea species, which is part of the Cornaceae family.
Appearance
The Western Red Osier Dogwood plant can grow up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and has a width of approximately 10 feet (3 meters). It has red bark, which peels off easily, and green leaves that turn red or orange in the fall. The plant produces clusters of small white flowers, which bloom in June and July, followed by white berries that ripen in August and September.
Uses
The Western Red Osier Dogwood plant has many practical uses. Native American tribes, including the Blackfeet and Ktunaxa, used this plant's bark for medicinal purposes such as treating colds, fevers, and headaches. Additionally, the plant's young branches were weaved to create baskets and other items, and its bark was used to create red dye. Today, this plant is often used in landscaping and erosion control due to its fast growth and ability to thrive in wet conditions.
Light Requirements
Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis typically prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not flower as well in low light conditions. In full sun, the foliage will have the best color, and the plant will have a denser growth habit.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to North America and can be found in parts of Canada and the United States. It is a cold-hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. It prefers temperate climates with moderate temperatures in the range of 18 to 27 degrees Celsius.
Soil Requirements
Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis prefers well-drained, moist soils. It can tolerate a wide range of pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils. The plant is commonly found growing near streams or in wetlands but can also grow in drier soils with adequate moisture. It is important to note that the plant can become invasive in certain areas and should be monitored carefully.
Cultivation Methods
Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) Fosberg, commonly known as red osier dogwood, grows well in damp soils that have been drained. The plant is also quite adaptive to other soil types as long as they are well-drained. This plant thrives in partial shade and full sun exposure. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and 10 feet wide, making it suitable for hedges or border planting.
Watering Needs
The red osier dogwood plant prefers moist soil and requires regular watering during the growing season. To avoid waterlogged soil, ensure that the drainage system is effective. The soil around the plant should be kept moist but not soggy. During hot and dry periods, the plant may require more frequent watering to compensate for the lack of moisture.
Fertilization
The red osier dogwood plant is not too demanding when it comes to fertilization. A slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring to boost plant growth. Alternatively, aged compost can be incorporated into the soil around the plant to maintain soil fertility. Avoid excessive fertilization, as this can lead to large foliage and reduced stem coloration.
Pruning
Pruning can be done in early spring when the plant is still dormant. Removing old, dead or broken stems is vital for new growth and plant health. Thinning out some old stems is beneficial, as it allows better air circulation and light penetration. Light pruning can also be done during summer to control the size and shape of the plant. Avoid pruning during the fall as this may lead to winter damage.
Propagation of Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis
Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) Fosberg, commonly known as western dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that is endemic to western North America. The plant is known for its attractive, red twigs and clusters of white flowers that bloom in late spring. It is commonly used in hedgerows, restoration projects, and ornamental gardens. Propagation of Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis can be achieved through several methods, including seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
The propagation of Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis by seeds is a simple and effective process. The seeds should be collected from the plant during the fall when the fruit is ripe. The collected fruits should be left in a cool, dry, and dark place for several weeks to allow the seeds to dry. Once the seeds are dry, they can be stored until they are ready for planting.
Before planting, the seeds should be stratified, which involves simulating the natural conditions that the seed would experience during the winter. This can be done by placing the seeds in a container with moist vermiculite or sand and leaving them in a refrigerator for four to six weeks. After stratification, the seeds can be planted in pots or directly in the ground during the spring. The seedlings will emerge during the summer and should be watered regularly until they are established.
Propagation by Cuttings
Cuttings are another method of propagating Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis. Hardwood cuttings should be taken from the shrub during the dormant season, which is usually between November and March. The cuttings should be about 12 inches long and ¼ to ½ an inch in diameter. The base of the cutting should be cut at an angle and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted.
The cuttings should be planted in well-draining soil and covered with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area until roots begin to develop, which will take about two to three months. Once the roots have developed, the cuttings can be transplanted into pots or directly into the ground.
Propagation by Layering
Layering is a propagation method that involves burying a portion of the stem of the parent plant to create a new plant. Layering can be done in the spring or fall when the plant is actively growing. The stem of the parent plant should be bent to the ground and a portion of the stem should be buried in well-draining soil.
The buried portion of the stem should be watered regularly until roots develop, which will take several weeks to several months. Once roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location. Layering is an effective method of propagation for Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis because the parent plant will continue to grow and produce new shoots.
Disease and Pest Management for Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) Fosberg
Cornus sericea L. ssp. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) Fosberg is generally a hardy plant, but it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests which can affect its growth and productivity. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and some suggested ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a common disease that affects Cornus sericea. It is caused by the fungus Septoria cornicola. The symptoms of leaf spot are brown, circular spots on the leaves, which may have a yellow halo around them. To manage this disease, it is important to prune and dispose of infected leaves. Also, avoid overhead watering which can spread the fungus.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect Cornus sericea. It causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, which may turn yellow and die off prematurely. To manage this disease, it is important to provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides and insecticides may also be used to control the disease.
Canker: Canker is a fungal disease that affects the stems and branches of Cornus sericea. Infected areas will appear sunken and discolored. Canker can be managed by removing and disposing of infected areas, pruning affected branches, and keeping the plant healthy and well-fertilized.
Pests
Spider Mites: Spider mites are common pests that can damage Cornus sericea by sucking sap from the leaves. Infested leaves will appear stippled and may eventually become curled and distorted. To manage spider mites, it is important to provide good air circulation, avoid over fertilizing, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the infestation.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are another common pest that can affect Cornus sericea. They attach themselves to the stems and branches of the plant and suck sap from the plant. Infested plants will have a sticky residue on the stems, and the leaves may turn yellow and drop off. To manage scale insects, it is important to prune and dispose of infested branches, and use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the infestation.
Japanese Beetles: Japanese beetles are a common pest that can damage Cornus sericea by feeding on the leaves, causing a skeletonized appearance. To manage Japanese beetles, use insecticides, pheromone traps, or handpick them off the plant and dispose of them.
