Cornus racemosa
Gray Dogwood
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Often found on upland areas this native species forms large mounding clumps. Its gray branches, white berries and yellow autumn colour are interesting in its native habitat.
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Family |
Cornaceae |
Genus |
Cornus |
Species |
racemosa |
Category |
Woody |
Type |
Shrub (deciduous) |
Pronunciation |
USDA Hardiness Zone |
5 |
Canadian Hardiness Zone |
4 - 6a |
RHS Hardiness Zone |
H7 |
Temperature (°C) |
-29 - (-23) |
Temperature (°F) |
-30 - (-20) |
Height |
3 m |
Spread |
2.5 m |
General Description |
A vigorous, dense native shrub. |
Landscape |
Of little use in the cultivated landscape it is often used in landscape restoration projects. |
Cultivation |
Very adaptable to moist or dry soils, full sun or shade but grows best in moist soil |
Shape |
Mounding. |
Growth |
Medium |
ID Characteristic |
Gray bark and deeply veined leaves. |
Pests |
None serious to warrant attention. |
Habitat |
Upland or dry ridges, usually on lean soils in full sun. |
Bark/Stem Description |
Pale gray and smooth. |
Flower/Leaf Bud Description |
Flowers - terminally borne, more plump than vegetative buds. |
Leaf Description |
Opposite, simple, narrow-elliptic, 5-10 cm long. |
Flower Description |
Whitish, 5 cm long, cymose panicles. |
Fruit Description |
Drupe, white .5 cm diameter, August into September. |
Colour Description |
Dull gray-green, purplish tinge in autumn, not spectacular in colour. |
Texture Description |
Medium. |
Notable Specimens |
The A.M. Cuddy Gardens, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada. Joany’s Woods, West Williams, Middlesex County, Ontario, Canada. |
Propagation |
Seed needs 120 days at 5°C in sand or peat. |