The species - Cornus alba, and the cultivar is probably 'Sibrica'. It's one of the North American dogwoods, 'Sibirica' being the one with the brightest winter stems. Phil J

Yes, you normally leave it over winter to appreciate the colour of the stems then prune back hard in spring.

Thank you . i will now be able look into this and read about it now.

I'm intrigued by the variegated leaves top right of your picture - are these part of the same plant, Marydoll?

lol Need to go out and investigate tomorrow Bamboo!

I only ask because if they are, I suspect you have either Cornus alba Elegantissima or Sibirica - and the plain leaves at the bottom are reversion and should be removed...

No variegated leaves Bamboo, Must have been the light!
Should I leave the "trunk " clear and prune right to the trunk and shape it a bit like a tree. or leave the stems growing out the "trunk" and just thin it out. (Pruning and cutting back is not really my thing! lol thanks all

Hmm, I'd like to see a pic of the whole plant before answering that one, to get a sense of its shape and size

I will take a photo of the poor plant soon and post it. Im a bit ashamed of the state of it to be honest. Originally ( before cutting) it was lovely and bushy! this year its just a mess! dont even know if the heavy heavy snow was bad for it
! It will be interesting to see what u think of it!! thanks

Hi bamboo I have put a couple of pictures on of full tree
Thanks.

Have responded to your PM