Cornus racemosa or Gray Dogwood (3 gallon pot)

Description

Cornus racemosa or Gray Dogwood is one of the lovely native dogwoods of our area. Thicket-forming shrub (10-15 ft) known for its gray bark, white berries on red pedicels, and high ecological value. Cornus racemosa is easily distinguished in winter by its bright red, slender, new stems contrasted against older gray branches. It thrives in sun or shade, is ideal for wildlife, and spreads via suckering roots to form dense, natural barriers.

Also called Swamp Dogwood, it does well in wet spots, but is also fine with drier locations.

Produces small, creamy-white flowers in terminal clusters (cymes) in late spring to early summer. Distinctive white berries (drupes) with bright red pedicels/stalks, appearing in late summer and often persisting into winter. Leaves may turn a reddish-purple color.

Berries are a crucial food source for over 100 species of birds, and flowers attract bees and butterflies.
The thickets they form also acts a shelter, providing excellent nesting sites for birds and cover for small mammals.

Highly adaptable to wet or dry sites, poor soils, and urban pollution. Excellent for erosion control on embankments, mass plantings, naturalized areas, and informal hedging.

Hardy in zones 3–8.

Low maintenance, but spreads via underground suckers, which may require pruning to control spread.