Gray Dogwood

General 
Scientific Name: Cornus racemosa 
Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood) 
Hardiness: Zone 3 
Leaves: Deciduous 
Plant Type: Shrub 

Growth 
Rate: Medium 
Mature Height: >7’ 
Longevity: Medium 
Power Line: Yes 

Ornamental 
Flowers: White 
Fruit: White 
Fall Color: Purple

A densely branched shrub (or small tree form) native to North America as far west as eastern North and South Dakota. Very attractive shrub in flower for public and private landscapes. Tree form has potential as small tree in sites where restricted height is needed.

Light: Full sun to part shade. 
Water: Medium. 
Soil: Tolerates a wide variety of soils.

Very tolerant of city pollution. Foliage turns an interesting (but not always showy) dusky purplish red in fall. Terminal stems holding the flowers are distinctively red and provide interesting contrast to the clusters of small white berries which form after the flowers have dropped. Red twig color at the end of branches is more easily seen after the fruits are gone, and red color often persists into early winter.

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Gray Dogwood

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Gray Dogwood

Photo Credit:

Joseph Zeleznik, Ph.D., Extension Forester

Gray Dogwood