North Dakota · Shrub

Red-osier dogwood for birds in North Dakota

White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover. Native to North Dakota, where it feeds or shelters 23 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Cornus sericea
Native status: Native in North Dakota
Hardiness zones: USDA 3a–4b
What birds get from it: fruit and berries
North Dakota birds supported: 23
Nesting birds among them: 22

Growing conditions in North Dakota

Continental northern prairie with prairie-pothole wetlands and the Missouri River breaks.

Short, warm summers with a peak nesting season in June.

North Dakota birds that use Red-osier dogwood

Severe winters to −30°F; Snow Buntings and redpolls arrive from the Arctic.

Nesting season it supports in North Dakota

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Red-osier dogwood:

Northern Cardinal — May–August
Eastern Bluebird — May–August
House Finch — May–August
American Robin — May–July
Northern Flicker — May–June
Baltimore Oriole — June–July
Orchard Oriole — June
Rose-breasted Grosbeak — June–July
Gray Catbird — June–July
Brown Thrasher — May–July

Native plants to pair with Red-osier dogwood in North Dakota

Eastern red cedar

Juniperus virginiana · Tree

Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.

Smooth sumac

Rhus glabra · Shrub

Red fruit heads hang on through winter.

Black cherry

Prunus serotina · Tree

Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.

American elderberry

Sambucus canadensis · Shrub

Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.

Virginia creeper

Parthenocissus quinquefolia · Vine

Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.

Pin cherry

Prunus pensylvanica · Tree

Fast-growing northern cherry with midsummer fruit.

Frequently asked

Is Red-osier dogwood native to North Dakota?

Yes. Red-osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) is recorded as native in North Dakota. North Dakota spans USDA 3a–4b.

What birds does Red-osier dogwood attract in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, Red-osier dogwood supports 23 backyard birds, including Northern Cardinal, Eastern Bluebird, House Finch, American Robin, Northern Flicker, Baltimore Oriole.

Does Red-osier dogwood help nesting birds in North Dakota?

22 of those birds nest in North Dakota: Northern Cardinal (May–August), Eastern Bluebird (May–August), House Finch (May–August), American Robin (May–July).

Which winter birds use Red-osier dogwood in North Dakota?

Winter visitors Bohemian Waxwing use it in North Dakota during the cold months.

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.