Bloodtwig Dogwood

Cornus sanguinea, commonly called blood-twig dogwood, is a deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub grown for the red color of its young stems. [North Carolina State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cornus-sanguinea/) describes white spring flowers, dark foliage with reddish-purple autumn color, and purplish-black fruits that ripen in late summer. This record is for the species Cornus sanguinea, not a named cultivar such as ‘Cato’ or Arctic Sun®. The species profile describes plants 8–15 feet tall, while its dimensions table gives 5–15 feet for both height and width; the current shorter 5–6-foot labels remain within that broad reference range. The shrub can grow in full sun or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Young shoots carry the brightest red color, while older stems become duller green. ## Maintenance Prune to maintain shape or coppice in spring to encourage fresh, colorful shoots. Leave space for a multi-stemmed shrub and possible thicket formation. Water during establishment and prolonged dry weather.