Red-osier dogwood is an attractive native shrub with excellent wildlife and ecosystem benefits. It grows very well on streambanks and in wetlands, providing excellent erosion control and streambank stability. Additionally, the fruits, foliage, and buds of red-osier dogwoods are very valuable to wildlife, including wood ducks, numerous songbirds such as bluebirds and cardinals, woodpeckers, game birds, and mammals including black bear, beaver, raccoons, skunks, squirrel, and elk. Red-osier dogwood spreads readily in wet areas and is an excellent choice for wetlands and streambanks on your property. Additionally, it provides winter color to your yard with its vibrant red bark.