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| Gray Dogwood Cornus racemosa (C. foemina subsp. racemosa) Cornaceae Gray dogwood is a multi-branched shrub that suckers to form large, often impenetrable colonies. New twigs are reddish-brown, but mature branches are a distinct gray, forming a nice contrast, especially in winter. Its white flowers are in 2-inch diameter cymes at the end of most stems, lasting 7 to 10 days in late spring or early summer. The fruit is a white (or possibly gray or greenish) drupe that is reputed to be savored by over 100 species of birds. It ripens in August to September, and has reddish-pink pedicels that show up even more after the fruit has fallen. Gray dogwood is found along roadsides, fence rows, thickets, and streambanks in open woodlands in east Texas and north to Maine. Although it prefers rich, moist, but well-drained soil, it can adapt to drier sites such as rocky outcrops. It is useful for erosion control and for wildlife habitat, food and cover. It was introduced into cultivation in 1758.
Plant Habit or Use: large shrub
Exposure: sun Flower Color: white Blooming Period: spring Fruit Characteristics: white drupe Height: 10 to 15 feet Width: 10 to 15 feet Plant Character: deciduous Heat Tolerance: medium Water Requirements: Soil Requirements: adaptable Additional Comments:
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