Cornus alba Kesselringii is a compact, suckering Tatarian dogwood selected for dark purple twigs that become almost black in winter. Erect young stems form a multi-stemmed shrub, while elliptic green leaves turn red and purple in fall.
Small yellowish-white flowers appear in flat clusters from May into June. Blue-white ornamental drupes can follow in summer and attract birds, although they are not presented as edible fruit.
Grow it in full sun or partial shade in fertile, consistently moist, well-drained soil. Renew older stems in early spring to encourage the young growth that carries the strongest winter color.
