Tree Plaques In The Park
Key Identifying Characteristics
Large shrub in upgright, spreading form with red, opposite branches and clusters of small white flowers in spring.
Height / Size
Grows up to 15 feet tall and 12 feet wide.
Leaves or Needles
Oval-shaped leaves are medium green, deciduous, opposite, and smooth-edged with veins that curve parallel with the leaf edge. Colorful in the fall.
Bark / Trunk
Stems have red bark especially on the new growth. Branches are opposite.
Flower
Tiny white flowers with 4 petals and 4 stamens in dense, round-top clusters appear March-May.
Fruit / Seed / Cone
Small round berries ranging from white to gold to blue appear in umbrella-like clusters in the fall.
Habitat
Riparian habitat with moist soils and part shade.
Location / Range
Creekside trails, Plaskon Nature Trail. Found in woodland, riparian areas of California.
Lifespan
Moderately long lived.
Native / Non-Native
Native
Fascinating / Fun Facts
Red branches are easy to spot in fall and winter when the leaves have dropped. Also known as Red Osier Dogwood.
Sources:
Calscape
VanderWerf, Barbara. 1994. Montara Mountain. Gum Tree Lane Books, El Granada, CA
PlantID.net for San Pedro Valley CP (NRDB.org)