General: Redosier Dogwood (Cornus sericea spp. sericea) is a brushy shrub that grows to about 8 feet, with pointed, lanciolate leaves, reddish bark on new stems, and umbel-like clusters of white, four-petaled flowers.

Redosier Dogwood is a rare component of montane vegetation communities on moist soils in the Transition (Pine-Fir Forest) life zone. Around Las Vegas, this species is known from one location in Lee Canyon up in the Spring Mountains.

Family: Dogwood (Cornaceae).

Other Names: Dogwood, redosier, American dogwood.

Plant Form: Upright, brushy shrub.

Height: To about 8 feet.

Stems: Young stems reddish to purple; older stems grayish-green.

Leaves: Deciduous; blade to about 5 inches, lanceolate to oval, dark green above, silvery-green below, several pairs or prominent veins.

Flowers: Blooms during spring and early summer. Inflorescence: cyme (looks like an umbel). Flowers white, four petals; stamens extend above petals.

Seeds: Fruit: drupe (like a cherry).

Habitat: Moist soils.

Elevation: To about 9,000 feet.

Distribution: North America except the southeast.

Comments: Found throughout Nevada, this species is rare in the Spring Mountains.