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Key characteristics

Family: Cornaceae
Height: 6 to 9 feet tall
Width: 6 to 9 feet wide
Flower color: White
Foliage color: Green in summer, turning yellow in fall
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium; tolerates wet soils
Maintenance: Moderate; benefits from regular pruning to encourage vibrant stem color
Growing zone: USDA zones 3 to 7
Wildlife: Provides food and cover for birds; deer resistant

Shrubs

Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’

Yellow-Twig Dogwood

Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea', or Yellow-twig Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its vibrant yellow stems that provide winter interest when the leaves have fallen. In spring, it produces clusters of white flowers that turn into small white berries in summer, attracting birds. Its oval-shaped, medium green leaves turn shades of red and purple in the fall.

Adaptable to various soil types, it prefers moist, well-draining soil and can tolerate wet conditions, often found along streams or wetlands.

Light

Full sun to part shade

Water

Medium; tolerates wet soils

Bloom time

Late spring to early summer

Find this plant

Works well in

Sun Gardens
Winter Interest
Hedging & Privacy
Wildlife Gardens

Companion plants

Juniper · Beautyberry · Larkspur · Pincushion flower · Wallflower · Grape hyacinth

Design tip

Bright yellow stems can transform a dormant winter planting into one of the garden’s most colorful features. A grouping is particularly effective where low winter sunlight can shine through the branches, intensifying their color and creating a warm golden display against darker evergreens or bare ground.