Certainly! Here’s a plant description for Cornus alba, commonly known as the Redtwig Dogwood:
Plant Type:
Cornus alba is a deciduous shrub, known for its vibrant red stems that provide winter interest.
Foliage:
Leaves: Oval-shaped leaves with a pointed tip, arranged oppositely along the stems.
Color: Green during the growing season, turning to shades of red, purple, or orange in the fall before dropping.
Stems:
Color: The most distinctive feature of Cornus alba is its bright red stems, which are particularly striking during the winter months.
Winter Interest: The red stems provide visual interest in the winter landscape when the leaves have dropped.
Flowers:
Inflorescence: Flat-topped clusters of small, inconspicuous white flowers in late spring to early summer.
Bracts: Surrounding the flowers are showy white bracts that give the appearance of larger, more noticeable flowers.
Berries:
Fruit: Small, white berries form in late summer to early fall.
Wildlife: The berries are attractive to birds.
Size:
Height: Typically grows to a height of 6 to 9 feet (1.8 to 2.7 meters).
Width: Spreads to a similar width, forming a rounded and multi-stemmed shrub.
Growth Habit:
Cornus alba has a spreading and suckering growth habit, forming colonies over time.
It can be pruned to control its size and shape.
Sun Requirements:
Prefers full sun to partial shade. Full sun often enhances the red stem color.
Soil Conditions:
Thrives in well-drained soil but is adaptable to various soil types.
Tolerates both moist and dry conditions.
Seasonal Interest:
Offers interest in multiple seasons, with the red stems providing winter interest and the fall foliage displaying vibrant colors.
Uses:
Commonly used for erosion control and in naturalized areas.
Suitable for borders, hedges, and mass plantings.
Often planted for its ornamental value in all seasons.
Hardiness:
Cornus alba is hardy in USDA zones 3 to 8.
Maintenance:
Pruning can be done to rejuvenate the plant by removing older stems, enhancing the red stem color.
Regular pruning can also help maintain a more compact form.
Cornus alba is valued for its adaptability, ease of maintenance, and the striking contrast its red stems provide against a winter landscape. It’s a versatile shrub that adds interest to the garden throughout the year.
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