Cornus racemosa (Gray Dogwood)

Michael's Opinion

Often found on upland areas this native species forms large mounding clumps. Its gray branches, white berries and yellow autumn colour are interesting in its native habitat.

Botanical Information

FamilyCornaceae
GenusCornus
Speciesracemosa
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginMaine to Ontario, Minnesota, south to Georgia and Nebraska
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone5
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone4 - 6a
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-29 - (-23)
Temperature (°F)-30 - (-20)
Height3 m
Spread2.5 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodMay

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA vigorous, dense native shrub.
ID CharacteristicGray bark and deeply veined leaves.
ShapeMounding.
LandscapeOf little use in the cultivated landscape it is often used in landscape restoration projects.
PropagationSeed needs 120 days at 5°C in sand or peat.
CultivationVery adaptable to moist or dry soils, full sun or shade but grows best in moist soil
PestsNone serious to warrant attention.
Notable SpecimensThe A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Joany’s Woods, West Williams, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatUpland or dry ridges, usually on lean soils in full sun.
Bark/Stem DescriptionPale gray and smooth.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionFlowers - terminally borne, more plump than vegetative buds.
Leaf DescriptionOpposite, simple, narrow-elliptic, 5-10 cm long.
Flower DescriptionWhitish, 5 cm long, cymose panicles.
Fruit DescriptionDrupe, white .5 cm diameter, August into September.
Colour DescriptionDull gray-green, purplish tinge in autumn, not spectacular in colour.
Texture DescriptionMedium.

Photographs