Many-stemmed, tall shrub to 10 feet. Takes partial shade, 1-3" clusters of white flowers in spring, followed by white berries in August. Bright red stems give striking winter interest. Habitat is moist soils, swamps, streamsides, and upland forest. Landscape uses: erosian control, wet areas, groupings, borders, hedges, and screens. Name "Dogwood" may may come from Old English 'dagge' meaning a spit or skewer. Wood from dogwoods made goot skewers for roasting meat. Early pioneers used the inner bark as a substitute for tobacco.