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Questions and Answers: 2015

Question: Why do red-osier dogwoods have red bark and does the red pigment serve any function?

• Question

  Why do red-osier dogwoods have red bark and does the red pigment serve any function?

  Answer

  Dear Khalling, while I can't answer your question specifically, plant pigments (in general) do have many functions. They serve as attractants, as protection against the sun, and some even offer frost tolerance. Why Swida sericea (in particular) has red bark is unknown to me. Best wishes.