Description of Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John is a deciduous shrub species that belongs to the family Cornaceae. It is native to North America and grows naturally in the central and eastern parts of the United States and Canada. This plant is also commonly known as red-osier dogwood, American dogwood, and red-stemmed dogwood.
Uses of Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John
The red-osier dogwood has several uses. It is an ornamental plant that is commonly used in landscaping and gardening due to its attractive appearance. The woody stems of the plant turn red in the fall, adding a pop of color to the landscape. The plant is also used for soil erosion control and for enhancing wildlife habitats. The plant is also used in traditional Native American medicine for treating various ailments such as colds, fevers, and coughs. Additionally, the plant's bark and young stems are utilized for making baskets, mats, and other handicrafts.
Characteristics of Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John
The plant typically grows to a height of 6-10 feet and has a similar spread. The leaves are simple and arranged oppositely on the stem. The flowers are small and white, clustered in cymes. The fruit of the red-osier dogwood is a white drupe that is about a quarter of an inch in diameter. The branches and twigs of the plant are bright, vibrant red, providing a unique contrast to the dark green leaves. The plant also has an extensive root system that produces lateral stems that can form new plants.
Growth Conditions for Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John
Light Requirements: Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John is a deciduous shrub that grows best in full sun to part shade. It can tolerate some shade, but the shrub will not flower as much and may become leggy or spindly if grown in deep shade.
Temperature Requirements: This variety of Cornus stolonifera Michx. is hardy in USDA zones 2 to 7 and can withstand extremely cold temperatures as low as -50°F. It can also tolerate hot temperatures up to 90°F.
Soil Requirements: The soil for Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John should be well-draining and slightly acidic. It prefers soils with pH ranging from 4.5 to 6.5. It can also tolerate slightly alkaline soils with a pH up to 7.5. It is best grown in soils that are rich in organic matter, though it can tolerate a range of soils including heavy clay soils and sandy loam soils.
Moisture Requirements: The shrub prefers consistently moist soil but can tolerate dry spells once established. It can also tolerate short periods of flooding and seasonal inundation.
Fertilizer Requirements: Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John does not require heavy fertilization. However, an annual application of balanced fertilizer in early spring before new growth appears can help improve the plant's growth and health. Organic fertilizers such as compost and well-rotted manure can be used, in addition to commercial fertilizers.
Cultivation Methods
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John, commonly known as Red Osier Dogwood, is a tough plant that can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is best grown in full sun to partial shade and can be planted in almost any soil type, including acidic, alkaline, and neutral soils. This plant is native to North America and can be suitable for USDA zones 2-7. It can be propagated through seeds, cuttings, or layering methods.
Watering Needs
Red Osier Dogwood requires moist soil to thrive, so it is essential to keep the soil continuously moist but not waterlogged. During the first year of planting, this plant should be watered deeply every two weeks, but after that, it can be watered deeply once every two to three weeks. However, during the hot and dry summer months, it is essential to water this plant regularly, as it cannot tolerate drought conditions.
Fertilization
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John is a hardy plant that does not require frequent fertilization. However, to promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage, it is recommended to fertilize this plant with a balanced slow-release fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, once per year in early spring, just before the plant starts its growing season.
Pruning
This plant can grow up to 3-9 feet in height, with branches that can spread up to 12 feet wide. To control its size, Red Osier Dogwood should be pruned annually in late winter or early spring. The pruning should involve cutting back the oldest stems to the ground, leaving only 2-3 of the youngest stems on each plant. This will promote vigorous new growth and maintain a healthy plant. Alternatively, this plant can also be pruned to grow as a large shrub or a small tree, depending on the desired shape and size.
Propagation Methods for Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John, commonly known as Red-osier Dogwood, can be propagated through various methods. These include:
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation involves harvesting the ripe berries of the Red-osier Dogwood in fall or winter. The seeds are extracted, cleaned, and stored in a cool, dry place until the spring. In early spring, the seeds are sown in a seed-starting mix and kept moist until they germinate. Once the seedlings have developed their second set of leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Cuttings Propagation
Cuttings propagation is done by taking cuttings from the Red-osier Dogwood in the late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long, with at least two sets of leaves. The leaves on the lower half of the cutting should be removed, and the cutting is then dipped in rooting hormone. The cutting is then planted in a rooting medium of either sand or vermiculite, kept moist, and placed in a shaded area. Roots will develop within several weeks, and once the roots have developed, the cutting can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Layering Propagation
Layering propagation involves bending a flexible stem of the Red-osier Dogwood towards the ground and attaching it with a U-shaped wire. A shallow trench is dug beneath the bent stem and filled with soil, and the stem is covered with soil, leaving the tip exposed. As the plant grows, it will develop roots along the buried stem, and once the roots have developed, the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into individual pots or directly into the ground.
Disease and Pest Management for Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. interior (Rydb.) St. John, commonly known as red osier dogwood, is a woody plant that is popular for its vibrant red-colored stems. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common issues that may affect red osier dogwood and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Leaf Spots: Leaf spots are a common issue that affects red osier dogwood. Caused by various fungal pathogens, such as Septoria cornicola, Phyllosticta cornicola, and Septoria corni, leaf spots appear as circular or irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spots, it is recommended to prune out infected leaves and improve air circulation around the plant by keeping it properly spaced and removing nearby weeds or debris.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that can affect red osier dogwood. It appears as a white or gray powdery coating on the leaves and stems, and is caused by the fungus Erysiphe polygoni. To manage powdery mildew, it is recommended to practice good sanitation by removing infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering as it can promote the spread of the fungus. Applying fungicides can also help control powdery mildew.
Pests
Dogwood Borer: The dogwood borer is a type of beetle that is attracted to stressed trees, usually laying its eggs in bark crevices. As the larvae hatch, they bore into the wood, eventually causing significant damage to the plant. To manage dogwood borers, it is recommended to prune out infested branches, maintain the plant's health by watering and fertilizing it appropriately, and applying insecticides when necessary.
Scale Insects: Scale insects are a type of pest that can affect red osier dogwood. They are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves, where they suck the plant's sap and weaken it. To manage scale insects, it is recommended to prune out heavily infested plant parts and apply horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to control their population.
Overall, keeping an eye out for potential issues and taking proactive measures to manage diseases and pests can help ensure a healthy and thriving red osier dogwood plant.
