Redosier Dogwood

Full Sun, Partial Sun/Shade

Acidic, Moist, Alkaline, Wet

The redosier dogwood is native to North America, with a range that extends over most of the United States from Newfoundland to Mexico, California to Virginia. It is also known as red dogwood, redstem dogwood, and red willow.

Native Americans use the inner bark in tobacco mixtures in the sacred pipe ceremony. Some tribes ate the sour berries while others made arrow shafts, bows, stakes and other tools from the branches and shoots. The leaves, bark and roots were used to make medicines.

Redosier dogwood is also used for basket weaving. If the bark is gathered in the early spring, it will retain its deep red color when dried.

The redosier dogwood provides dense cover for wildlife. The white berries are eaten by at least 18 species of birds including ruffled grouse, bobwhite quail, wild turkey and gray catbird. The twigs and foliage are browsed by elk, deer, moose, rabbits and chipmunks.