Definition

1. Noun:
   • A common North American shrub (Cornus sericea): A shrub native to North America, characterized by reddish-purple twigs and clusters of small white flowers.
   • A European deciduous shrub (Cornus sanguinea): A shrub native to Europe, known for its leaves turning red in autumn and bearing clusters of dull white flowers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The stream was bordered by thickets of red dogwood. (The shrub with reddish stems was growing along the water.)
  • In autumn, the European red dogwood provides a brilliant display of color. (The shrub's leaves become a vibrant red.)

Advanced Usage

• In botanical contexts: The term is used to specify particular species within the (dogwood) genus based on stem color or autumn foliage.
  • The study compared the growth habits of Cornus sericea (red dogwood) and Cornus alba (white dogwood).

Variants and Related Words

• Red osier dogwood: Another common name for , emphasizing its use for basketry ("osier").
• Blood-twig dogwood: Another name for , referring to the color of its young stems.

Synonyms

• Red osier (for ).
• Bloodtwig dogwood (for ).

Notes on Meaning

• The term "red dogwood" can refer to two distinct species depending on the geographical context. In North America, it typically means . In Europe, it typically means . Both are shrubs valued in landscaping for their colorful stems (reddish-purple or red) and, in the European species, its autumn foliage.

Noun

1. common North American shrub with reddish purple twigs and white flowers
2. European deciduous shrub turning red in autumn having dull white flowers