Origin:
Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John, commonly known as Redosier dogwood or Red-twig dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that is native to the northern parts of North America, including Alaska, Canada, and northern United States. It grows in wetland areas, along rivers, and in other moist habitats.
Common Names:
The plant is most commonly known as Redosier dogwood or Red-twig dogwood due to its characteristic bright red bark color, particularly during the winter months. It is also called American dogwood, Red osier, and Red-stemmed dogwood.
Uses:
Redosier dogwood has several traditional medicinal uses among the indigenous people of North America. The bark and roots of the plant contain anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties and are used to relieve the symptoms of several ailments, including fever, pain, and respiratory infections.
The plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities as it adds a splash of color to winter landscapes with its bright red twigs, making it a popular choice for landscaping and decorative purposes. The twigs have even been used in floral arrangements and wreaths.
General Appearance:
Redosier dogwood is a multi-stemmed shrub that grows up to 10 feet in height and 15 feet in width. It is characterized by its bright red bark, which becomes more intense during the winter months. The leaves are oval-shaped, about 2 to 4 inches long, and have smooth margins. The flowers, which appear in small clusters, are white and bloom in late spring to early summer. The plant produces small, white berries which can attract birds and other wildlife.
Light Requirements
Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John typically grows in areas that receive partial to full sunlight. This plant can tolerate some shade, but it may not flower as profusely in shady conditions.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is native to North America and can be found in various regions that experience a wide range of temperatures. Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John typically grows best in USDA Hardiness Zones 2 to 7. This plant can tolerate cold temperatures and can survive winters that are well below freezing.
Soil Requirements
Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John can tolerate a variety of soil types, including heavy clay soils, but it prefers moist, well-drained soils. This plant can also tolerate shallow soils, but it may not grow as tall in these conditions. Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John is also tolerant of acidic soils and can grow in soils with a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5.
Cultivation
The Cornus Sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John is a hardy shrub that is native to North America. It grows best in full sun or partial shade, and is tolerant of most soil types, including wet soils and boggy areas. When planting, it's recommended to space them two to three feet apart, as their mature size can range from six to ten feet wide and tall. The best time to plant this shrub is in the fall, which allows the roots to establish before the winter freeze.
Watering Needs
When young, Cornus Sericea L. var. interior requires regular water until it's established. Once established, however, this shrub is remarkably drought tolerant and rarely requires irrigation, except during prolonged dry spells. It is also important to note that this shrub tolerates standing water and can be planted in boggy or wet soils.
Fertilization
Cornus Sericea L. var. interior is a low-maintenance shrub that does not require regular fertilization. However, if the plant's growth seems stunted or the leaves are yellowing, supplementing with a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season can improve the plant's health. The recommended dosage of fertilizer is one pound of 10-10-10 per 100 square feet of soil around the shrub.
Pruning
Cornus Sericea L. var. interior requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and size. You can prune it in late winter or early spring. During this time, you can remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood, as well as any crossing branches, as these can rub together and create wounds. It's recommended to leave the older wood as it's responsible for producing the best bark color, which is one of the plant's most striking features. After pruning, you can apply a slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant to encourage new growth.
Propagation of Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John
Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John, commonly known as red osier dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. The plant is well-known for its striking red stems and attractive white flowers. Propagation of Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John can be achieved through various methods such as seed propagation, cutting propagation, and layering propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is a common method used for propagating Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John. The seeds are collected from the plant during the fall and sown in the spring. The seeds should be stratified for about three months at 40°F before sowing to break their dormancy. The sown seeds should be kept moist and in a warm area until they germinate.
Cutting propagation
Cutting propagation is an easy way to propagate Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John. The cuttings should be taken in early summer and treated with a rooting hormone before being placed in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm area until they root. After several weeks, the rooted cuttings can be transplanted into the ground or a larger container.
Layering propagation
Layering propagation is another easy method that can be used to propagate Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John. The process involves bending a low-hanging stem to the ground and covering it with soil or other growing medium. After a few months, the stem will develop roots at the point of contact with the soil, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted elsewhere.
Disease Management
The plant Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John is generally resistant to most diseases and can grow well under different conditions.
However, there are several diseases that may affect it despite its resistance. Some of the common diseases that affect the plant include:
- Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora cornicola and appears as small purple or brown spots on leaves.
- Powdery mildew: This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe pulchra and appears as white powdery patches on leaves.
- Anthracnose: This disease is caused by the fungus Discula destructiva and appears as dark spots on leaves and stems.
The following measures can help manage these diseases:
- Remove infected leaves and stems and destroy them immediately to prevent further spread of the disease.
- Avoid overhead watering as it can encourage the growth of the fungus.
- Apply fungicides before the onset of the rainy season or when the disease is first detected. This can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Cornus sericea L. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John is also resistant to most pests but can be infested by some. Some of the common pests that may infest the plant include:
- Aphids: These are small insects that suck the sap from the leaves and stems. They can cause stunted growth and deformed leaves.
- Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the plant's leaves. They can cause yellowing and curling of leaves.
- Cankerworms: These are caterpillars that feed on the leaves and can defoliate the plant entirely.
The following measures can help manage these pests:
- Regularly prune the plant to improve air circulation and reduce pest infestations.
- Use insecticidal soaps and oils to control aphids and mites.
- Remove cankerworms by handpicking them and destroying them.
