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Siberian dogwood

How to identify Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba)

Siberian dogwood, also known as Tatarian dogwood, White dogwood, Tartar privet

Siberian dogwood is characterized by its multi-stemmed, upright growth with a tendency to form arching canes. Its stems notably turn bright red in the fall and winter, transitioning to a greenish-red hue in summer, complemented by conspicuous lenticels. The dark green leaves, which can develop a slightly wrinkled texture, transform to a striking yellow or reddish-purple in the fall. Spring brings clusters of creamy white flowers, followed by distinctive white drupes that bear a blue tint. The plant's loose and spreading form reaches about 5 to 9 feet (1.5 to 2.7 meters) in height.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Tree, Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Siberian dogwood

1

Bright red stems in fall; greenish-red in summer with prominent lenticels.

2

Creamy white flowers in flat-topped clusters; faint pleasant scent; 0.2 inches (5 mm) diameter.

3

Distinctive white drupes with blue tint; 0.3 to 0.4 inches (7.5 to 10 mm) diameter.

4

Dark green leaves with slightly wrinkled upper surface; 2 to 4.5 inches (5 to 11.5 cm) long.

5

Thin stems with deep red color in fall; speckled texture from prominent lenticels.

Siberian dogwoodSiberian dogwoodSiberian dogwoodSiberian dogwoodSiberian dogwood

Detailed Traits of Siberian dogwood

Leaf Features

The leaves of siberian dogwood are dark green, simple, and arranged opposite. They measure 2 to 4.5 inches (5 to 11.5 cm) in length and have entire margins. The upper surface appears wrinkled, while the undersides are smooth. In autumn, the foliage may exhibit yellow or reddish-purple hues. Variegated cultivars typically lack significant fall colors.

Leaf Base

Cuneate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Texture

Papyraceous

Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of siberian dogwood are small, creamy white blooms that form flat-topped clusters or cymes. Each flower measures approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter. The blossoms have four petals arranged symmetrically, and they emit a faint, pleasant scent. These flowers typically bloom during late spring and early summer, from May to June. The dense clusters can be up to 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) wide, creating a striking display against the foliage.

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Stem Features

The stems of siberian dogwood are greenish-red during summer and shift to a striking deep red in fall and winter. They feature prominent lenticels, providing a distinctive speckled texture. These stems are relatively thin, typically around 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) in diameter, and exhibit a smooth, firm texture. Branching occurs at various angles, contributing to a complex and dense structure. The seasonal color transformation and lenticels make the stems easily distinguishable for plant enthusiasts.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of siberian dogwood develops as clusters of spherical drupes, each typically measuring about 0.3 to 0.4 inches (7.5 to 10 mm) in diameter. Upon maturity in mid-summer, these drupes exhibit a creamy white hue, occasionally presenting with a subtle bluish tinge. The fruits' surface is smooth, and their fleshy texture encases a single central seed. This characteristic coloration and grouping are visually appealing and serve as a food source for local avian fauna.

Fruit Type

Drupe

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Siberian dogwood and Their Similar Plants

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Kousa dogwood vs. Siberian dogwood: What's The Difference?
The kousa dogwood is known for its ornamental appeal. The showy flowers and bark, as well as the lovely fall foliage, make this vase-shaped tree a great addition to your patio, yard, or lawn. The tree matures to about 9 m high and is often just as wide.
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Flowering dogwood vs. Siberian dogwood: What's The Difference?
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small North American tree renowned for its wide canopy and plentiful spring blooms. Individual white or pink “flower” is actually a flower head that contains four oval bracts and a cluster of tiny yellow true flowers. Because of its decorative canopy, prolific spring blooming, and attractive red autumn leaves and berries, it is the most popular native tree in US gardens.
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Red osier dogwood vs. Siberian dogwood: What's The Difference?
Red osier dogwood is a thicket-forming shrub with attractive dark red winter stems. This plant produces yellow flowers in early summer and fruit late in the fall. Over ninety-eight species of birds rely on this plant for food or shelter. Native Americans used red osier dogwood branches to weave baskets.
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Common dogwood vs. Siberian dogwood: What's The Difference?
The common dogwood tree contains some of the toughest wood of any tree. As a result, it is said that the cross used to crucify Jesus Christ was built from this. The pollen in the blossoms of this plant attracts butterflies, and the berries attract birds. It is typically planted as an aesthetic plant and is utilized for borders, hedges, or screens.
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Cornelian cherry vs. Siberian dogwood: What's The Difference?
Cornelian cherry (*Cornus mas*) is a flowering deciduous shrub native to Central Europe, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. While this species' ripe fruit is edible, the unripe fruit has a harsh, astringent taste and should not be consumed. Unlike most other types of wood, the wood from this species is dense enough to sink in water.
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Roughleaf dogwood vs. Siberian dogwood: What's The Difference?
Roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii) is a deciduous shrub that’s native to eastern North America. The genus name comes from the Latin word “Cornu,” which means horn. This is because the wood is so dense and strong. The specific epithet “drummondii” is an homage to Thomas Drummond, a Scottish botanist. He spent considerable time in America collecting plant specimens.
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Silky dogwood vs. Siberian dogwood: What's The Difference?
Silky dogwood (*Cornus amomum*) is a deciduous shrub native to eastern North America. Underneath the leaves and twigs, you’ll find silky hairs—hence the name. Native Americans referred to it as 'kinnikinnick,' which means 'smoking mixture,' because they smoked it like tobacco. White flowers bloom forth in the spring. They are followed by blue fruit that birds love to snack on.
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Gray dogwood vs. Siberian dogwood: What's The Difference?
The gray dogwood is an excellent addition to a wildflower or natural garden. Although this shrub is not particularly beautiful, it creates plenty of shelter and food for wildlife. It thrives in almost any type of soil, sunlight or watering conditions. Its dense nature and easy care makes it a great hedge bush.
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Key Facts About Siberian dogwood

Attributes of Siberian dogwood
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Tree, Shrub
Flower Size
6 mm to 8 mm
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Fruit Color
White
Blue
Stem Color
Red
Green
Burgundy
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Siberian dogwood

Family
Dogwood
Icon allow
Species
Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba)
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Distribution Map of Siberian dogwood

Siberian dogwood is a plant with native roots in Eastern Asia, where it is found primarily in forested areas and along riverbanks. Beyond its indigenous regions, siberian dogwood has been introduced and is now established across parts of Northern and Eastern Europe, as well as in specific locales of Northeast Asia. Additionally, siberian dogwood has been incorporated into cultivation, enjoying popularity as an ornamental species.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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