365 Urban species. #356: Red Osier Dogwood

[urbpan]

Photos by urbpan. Location: the Riverwalk, Hartford.

Urban species #356: Red osier dogwood Cornus sericea

Most of the invasive species covered here so far have been Eurasian species that are problematic in North America. Japanese knotweed, buckthorn, and burning bush are all attractive shrubby plants that were deliberately introduced to the new world, and then spread out of control. Red osier dogwood is native to North America, and has been introduced to Europe, Australia, and other places. It's considered invasive in New Zealand and Great Britain, and has been put on a "black list" of invasives by the Swiss Commission for the Conservation of Wild Plants.

In northeastern North America, the native range of red osier dogwood, the shrub is planted along rivers and other wet urban areas. Its ability to spread vegetatively and form thick stands makes it unwelcome in Switzerland, but is useful for stabilizing streambanks and preventing erosion. Its also chosen for its bright red color, which stands out especially well in winter. White berries decorate the fiery stems, until they are eaten by birds. Red osier dogwood is one of several species of dogwood shrubs used as urban ornamental plants.




This tall shrub reaches through the railing of the stairway.


So I can get a picture of the fruit and still-persisting leaves.

Comments

[ndozo.livejournal.com]

I think that's what this is. I'm glad to find that out because I've been at war with this plant. It forms a choking thicket and trails its flexible branches in the narrow stream, taking root and exacerbating an already bad flood situation. I'll be more moderate now that I know it's good for the birds.

[momomom.livejournal.com]

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I'll miss this.