CORNUS RACEMOSA / GRAY DOGWOOD

CORNUS RACEMOSA / GRAY DOGWOOD

A Native Shrub with Fragrant Flowers and Wildlife Value

Cornus racemosa, commonly known as Gray Dogwood, is a native deciduous shrub admired for its clusters of small, fragrant white flowers in late spring, followed by white berries that attract birds. Thriving in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soils, Gray Dogwood adds texture, seasonal interest, and ecological benefits to naturalized landscapes, woodland edges, and hedgerows. Its multi-stemmed, arching habit provides habitat and cover for wildlife.

Why Choose Gray Dogwood?

Pollinator & Wildlife Friendly: Flowers attract bees and butterflies; berries feed birds.
Ornamental Form: Arching, multi-stemmed habit adds texture and structure to landscapes.
Seasonal Interest: White blooms in spring, white berries in summer, and reddish-purple fall foliage.
Low Maintenance: Hardy, adaptable, and long-lived once established.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Green leaves turning reddish-purple in fall.
Flower Color: Clusters of fragrant white blooms in late spring.
Fruit Color: White berries in summer.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 6–12 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–8.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun to partial shade.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, sandy soils, and slightly acidic conditions.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 6–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, arching, multi-stemmed shrub.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8.
Flowering: Late spring with fragrant white blooms.
Fall Interest: Reddish-purple leaves and ornamental white berries.

Ideal Uses:

Woodland & Naturalized Landscapes: Perfect for forest edges, hedgerows, and native plantings.
Pollinator & Wildlife Gardens: Supports bees, butterflies, and birds.
Borders & Shrub Beds: Adds texture, seasonal interest, and low-maintenance structure.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Hardy, resilient, and long-lived once established.

Gray Dogwood is a versatile and ecologically valuable native shrub. Its fragrant flowers, bird-attracting berries, and multi-stemmed habit make it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, naturalized landscapes, and low-maintenance native plantings.