Red-Twig Dogwood
Cornus sericea
The Red-Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a native plant throughout Northern and Western North America. In the wild, this plant grows in very damp soil and swampy areas. It also grows to 5'-13' tall and 10'-16.5' wide and can be easily identified in the winter by its lack of leaves and skinny red branches.
Key Features
The Red-Twig Dogwood can either be a thick leafy bush or a net of red twigs depending on the season. In the spring the Red-Twig Dogwood produces small white flowers making it an Angiosperm. If pollinated, the Red-Twig Dogwood will produce small white berries which are mildly toxic to humans. This plant is also a Dicot which is apparent from its green leaves with net-like veins in the summer.
Relationship With Humans
Humans have long used this plant's thick roots as a deterrent to erosion. These plants are also very popular because of their bright red branches which contrast with the snow, and their relatively low water needs, given a full grown plant only needs to be watered about once a week.
Life Cycle
The Red-Twig Dogwood begins its life as a seed from its parent plant. From here it will spend the next couple years growing and begin producing flowers, these flowers are pollinated by butterflies. As the plant gets older it will die, however this is not without leaving possibly thousands of offspring who are now able to reproduce.