A deciduous shrub with a rounded, spreading form. Opposite leaves with rounded bases are ovate to lance-shaped and dark green, turning a dull red, purple-red, or orange in autumn. Clusters of white flowers appear in late May to early June, followed by white to pale blue fruit. Green stems turn bright red in winter.

Other Dogwoods

Often cultivated but becomes naturalised, sometimes quite a long way from habitation.

Flowers late May to early June followed by distinctive white berries in autumn.

Perennial.

Widespread as a naturalised shrub in Britain.

Occasionally becomes naturalised in Leicestershire and Rutland. In the 1979 Flora survey of Leicestershire it was not recorded.