Gray Dogwood

Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) is a tough, adaptable North American native shrub valued for its multi-season appeal and ability to thrive in challenging environments. With creamy spring flowers, white summer fruit, and vivid red fall pedicels, this deciduous shrub brings quiet beauty to naturalized areas, hedgerows, and low-maintenance landscapes.

Distinctive Features

This dogwood produces upright clusters of small, creamy white flowers in late spring to early summer, attracting pollinators. By late summer, the blooms give way to porcelain-white fruit held on striking red stems (pedicels), which persist even after the fruit has dropped, creating contrast into fall. The gray-green foliage turns reddish-purple in autumn, and the slender stems have a characteristic gray cast that gives the species its name. It spreads by suckers to form dense thickets, making it ideal for erosion control and natural screening.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Tolerant of a wide range of soils, including poor or dry conditions
• Water: Moderate; handles drought once established
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3�8

Ideal Uses

• Focal Point: White fruit and red stems add interest in late summer and fall
• Naturalized Areas: Perfect for woodland edges and meadows
• Erosion Control: Spreading root system stabilizes slopes and banks
• Wildlife Habitat: Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies
• Hedgerows and Screens: Dense growth habit offers privacy and structure

Low Maintenance Care

• Watering: Water during prolonged dry spells until fully established
• Pruning: Thin out older stems every few years to rejuvenate growth
• Fertilizing: Rarely needed; apply compost or light fertilizer in spring if desired
• Mulching: Helps retain moisture and suppress weeds
• Protection: Naturally resistant to deer, drought, and poor soils

Why Choose Gray Dogwood?

• Native Versatility: Adaptable to a wide range of climates and soil conditions
• Wildlife Value: Supports pollinators and songbirds throughout the season
• Low Maintenance: Thrives with little attention once established
• Seasonal Interest: Features blooms, fruit, foliage color, and colorful stems
• Focal Point: A quiet standout in the landscape with durable four-season beauty

Cornus racemosa is an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a resilient, native shrub that offers ecological value and visual interest across all seasons with minimal care.