Grey Dogwood

Grey dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus racemosa, is a deciduous shrub native to North America. Here's an overview of this plant:

1. Appearance: Grey dogwood typically grows 6 to 12 feet (1.8 to 3.7 meters) tall and wide, forming a rounded to irregular shape. It has multiple stems that are often densely branched. The bark is smooth and grayish-brown, becoming rougher with age.

2. Leaves: The leaves of grey dogwood are opposite, simple, and ovate to lanceolate in shape. They are medium green in color during the growing season and turn purplish-red to orange-red in the fall, adding ornamental interest.

3. Flowers: Grey dogwood produces small, creamy-white flowers in flat-topped clusters (cymes) in late spring to early summer. The flowers are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

4. Fruit: The fruit of grey dogwood is a small, round, white to bluish-white drupe that matures in late summer to fall. The fruit clusters persist into winter and are an important food source for birds and small mammals.

5. Habitat: Grey dogwood is adaptable to a variety of growing conditions and is commonly found in open woodlands, forest edges, wetlands, and disturbed areas. It tolerates both moist and dry soils and is drought-tolerant once established.

6. Wildlife Value: Besides providing food for wildlife with its fruit, grey dogwood also offers cover and nesting sites for birds. It is considered a valuable plant for wildlife habitat restoration and enhancement.

7. Cultural Uses: Historically, indigenous peoples used various parts of grey dogwood for medicinal purposes. The bark and roots were used to make teas or infusions believed to treat fevers, colds, and other ailments. The fruit was also consumed, although it is not commonly eaten by humans due to its bitter taste.

8. Landscaping: Grey dogwood is valued in landscaping for its wildlife benefits, attractive flowers, and fall color. It is often used in naturalized areas, wildlife gardens, and as a hedge or screen plant.

9. Maintenance: Grey dogwood is relatively low-maintenance once established. Pruning can be done in late winter to early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to promote a tidy growth habit.

In summary, grey dogwood (Cornus racemosa) is a versatile native shrub known for its wildlife value, attractive flowers, and colorful fruit. It is well-suited for naturalistic landscapes and provides both ornamental and ecological benefits in its native habitats.