Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

Gray Dogwood

(Cornus racemosa)

Cranbrook Science

CC BY 2.0

Image By: Cranbrook Science

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Cornus racemosa, commonly known as Gray Dogwood or Northern Swamp Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to wetland edges, moist forest clearings, and along streams in southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States. It typically grows 1.2 to 3 meters (4 to 10 feet) high and is known for its ability to form dense thickets through underground rhizomes. The shrub features gray bark and twigs with distinctive white pith. Its small, white flowers with four petals each measure 2.3 to 3 mm (0.091 to 0.118 inches) long and bloom from May to July, creating a modest display. Following flowering, green drupes appear, maturing to white berries from August to October, which are highly attractive to birds. While old branches exhibit slow growth, new stems are fast-growing. The foliage may turn reddish or purplish in the fall, adding seasonal interest, although it is not considered highly ornamental from afar.

Gray Dogwood is valued for its wildlife benefits and its ability to stabilize soil in erosion-prone areas. It is commonly used for naturalizing in wetland restoration, as a border planting, or in wildlife gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers medium amounts of water with well-drained soil, though it can tolerate a range of soil conditions, including clay. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively via rhizomes, which should be considered when planting. Cornus racemosa is potentially invasive outside its native range, so gardeners should consult local guidelines before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Shrub
Height: 10-15 feet
Width: 10-15 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Medium
Drainage: Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Wetland edges, moist forest clearings, and along streams in southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Panicled Dogwood, Grey Dogwood, Northern Swamp Dogwood, Red-Panicled Dogwood, Rispen-Hartriegel, Cornouiller À Grappes, Silverkornell

Scientific Names: , Cornus racemosa, Swida racemosa, Cornus foemina subsp. racemosa, Svida racemosa, Cornus paniculata, Cornus racemosa f. caeruleocarpa, Cornus racemosa f. nielsenii, Cornus comosa, Cornus paniculata var. albida

GBIF Accepted Name: Cornus racemosa Lam.