Flower Properties
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| English Name | Red osier dogwood |
| MainColor | White |
| PlantType |  Shrub |
| Growth Type |  Invasive |
| Season | November |
| ImageUrl | Cornus-002 |
| Photographer | DP |
| Location | Clerkenwell Road |
| Human Toxicity |  Mildly_Toxic |
Flower Details
Description
Red Osier Dogwood is a deciduous shrub known for its striking red stems, especially visible in winter. It typically grows 1.5 to 4 metres tall and produces small white flowers in flat-topped clusters, followed by white to bluish berries. The leaves are opposite, ovate, and turn a vibrant red or purple in autumn.
Distribution
This species is native to North America, commonly found in wetland areas, along streams, and in moist forests across Canada and the northern United States.
Medicinal/Other Uses
✅ The bark has been used traditionally by Indigenous peoples for medicinal purposes, including treating colds and fevers.
Edibility
Caution Advised - berries are generally considered inedible due to their bitter taste and potential for causing mild stomach upset.
Human Toxicity
Mildly Toxic - ingestion of berries may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort.
Pet Toxicity
Mildly Toxic to dogs and cats - ingestion of berries can cause vomiting and diarrhoea.
Active Compounds
Tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins