Plant Profile: Cornus foemina

Stiff dogwood is a flowering shrub or small tree known for its striking red branches, which gradually turn gray as they mature. This plant thrives in various environments, including swamps, streambanks, marshes, and upland areas, favoring moist conditions but showing resilience in drier settings as well.

Propagation can be achieved through seeds, which can be stored and sown directly without needing to be removed from the fruit. Seeds can either be planted right after harvest or stratified for spring planting.

However, it's worth noting that the flowers emit an unpleasant scent, which may deter some gardeners.