Redosier Dogwood
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
R.A. Howard @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database / Britton, N.L., and A. Brown. 1913. An illustrated flora of the northern United States, Canada and the British Possessions. 3 vols. Charles Scribner's Sons, New York. Vol. 2: 662.
Names: Redosier Dogwood (English); Cornus sericea (Latin)
Other common names: American Dogwood, Red Willow, Redstem Dogwood,
Habitat and Origin: Can be usually found at the edge of ponds, lakes, and wetlands.
Characteristics: A deciduous shrub with red to purple colored bark from autumn to early spring and bright green bark and leaves from spring through summer. The plant has small white flowers and white berries.
Edible Portion: Berries.
Optimal Growing Conditions: Grows best when the roots are saturated for part of the year.
Aboriginal Peoples Uses: Redosier dogwood was used by Native Americas in countless ways. The inner bark and leaves were used in tobacco mixtures in pipe ceremonies. The bark was also used as relief for weak kidneys or poison ivy, an anti-diarrheal and as a pediatric aid for bed wetting. Dreamcatchers, arrows, stakes and other tools were made with the stems. The inner bark was used to tan or dry animals hides. A decoction of the root was used for sore eyes and catarrh. The small bitter berries were also eaten by many native tribes. For more uses see http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_cose16.pdf.