Cornus stolonifera 'Arctic Fire' is a compact red twig dogwood prized for its vivid red stems that brighten winter landscapes. Its lush green foliage turns shades of orange and burgundy in fall followed by striking bare stems in winter. This native shrub also produces small white flowers in late spring giving way to clusters of white berries that attract wildlife. Its smaller size makes it perfect for foundation plantings, hedges, or massing in naturalized settings.
Height & Spread: 36 - 48 in x 36 - 60 in
Bloom Time: Late spring
Light Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained to wet soils; tolerates clay
Watering Needs: Moderate to moist; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Moderately deer resistant once established
Native Status
Cultivar of a North American native species. Found in moist meadows, stream banks, and open woodlands across the northern and western United States.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- White berries attract songbirds such as cedar waxwings and robins while dense stems provide excellent nesting habitat.
Bees
- Late spring flowers supply nectar and pollen to native sweat bees and small carpenter bees.
Butterflies
- Serves as a larval host plant for the Spring Azure and provides nectar for adult butterflies.
Mammals
- Twigs and leaves are browsed by rabbits and deer in early spring though established plants tolerate some damage.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations:
- Plant 4 - 5 ft apart for massing or hedging; space further for individual accents.
Landscape Placement:
- Excellent for winter interest borders, wetland buffers, and erosion control near water features or rain gardens.
Companion Plants
- Eutrochium maculatum (Joe Pye Weed) - Tall native perennial with bold blooms that add vertical contrast in late summer.
- Carex stricta (Tussock Sedge) - Clumping native sedge that thrives in moist soils and naturalistic rain gardens.
- Ilex verticillata 'Red Sprite' - Compact deciduous holly with brilliant red berries that mirror the dogwood’s stem color and attract similar wildlife.
- Panicum virgatum 'Shenandoah' - Upright red tinged grass echoes stem color and adds movement in breeze.
- Cornus sericea 'Cardinal' - Offers extended red stem interest into winter when planted in combination with 'Arctic Fire'.