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Woody > Cornus > Cornus racemosa > Cornus racemosa

Cornus racemosa


Gray Dogwood




Origin:  Maine to Ontario, Minnesota, south to Georgia and Nebraska
            Mike's Opinion

this is Mike

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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.



Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)

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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
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
May
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.
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