Gray Dogwood

General
Scientific Name: Cornus racemosa
Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood)
Hardiness: Zone 3
Leaves: Deciduous
Plant Type: Shrub

Growth
Rate: Medium
Mature Height: >7’
Longevity: Medium
Power Line: Yes

Ornamental
Flowers: White
Fruit: White
Fall Color: Purple

A densely branched shrub (or small tree form) native to North America as far west as eastern North and South Dakota. Very attractive shrub in flower for public and private landscapes. Tree form has potential as small tree in sites where restricted height is needed.

Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water: Medium.
Soil: Tolerates a wide variety of soils.

Very tolerant of city pollution. Foliage turns an interesting (but not always showy) dusky purplish red in fall. Terminal stems holding the flowers are distinctively red and provide interesting contrast to the clusters of small white berries which form after the flowers have dropped. Red twig color at the end of branches is more easily seen after the fruits are gone, and red color often persists into early winter.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Gray Dogwood

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Gray Dogwood

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Gray Dogwood