Swida sericea (f. Cornus sericia)
Swida sericea is a large shrub that has widespread, multiseason landscape appeal. Well known for its colorful branches, the red-twig dogwood provides winter interest with its vivid red branches standing out against the white snow. Equally attractive are the clusters of fragrant, white flowers that appear against the deep green foliage in the spring, and the bunches of creamy white berries that follow. Red-twig dogwood contributes to the colorful Autumn foliage of the area.
 
S. sericea is one shrub that benefits from a regular pruning, best done in the winter, as the older branches turn brown and lose the red tone. The pruning will encourage new colorful growth from the roots and will help keep the shrub to a manageable size for the location.
 
As for wildlife support, the berries are a favorite food source for birds and the flowers provide a sweet spot of nectar for bees and butterflies.
 
Source: grown from seed potentially collected in New Hampshire. Original provenance unknown. Started by New Hampshire State Forest Nursery.