Gray Dogwood
Cornus racemosa 
Gray dogwood occurs in moist or rocky ground along streams, borders of prairies, in thickets along fence rows and roadsides and bordering glades. It does not have the showy flower like flowering dogwood but its fall foliage, bark color and flower clusters give gray dogwood its own appeal. It is valuable for wildlife food and cover. It spreads quickly by root suckers.
Identifying Characteristics
- Height
- 12 ft
- Spread
- 10 ft
- Leaves
- opposite, simple, 2" - 4" long, elliptical; edges smooth; smooth green above
- Flowers
- small white flowers, in clusters 2" wide
- Fruit
- white berry, l/4" in diameter; on reddish stems
- Bark
- young stems reddish-brown; older bark gray
- Associated species
- white ash, white oak, northern red oak, hickory, Viburnum, sumac
- Ideal site conditions
- wide range, shade
- Value to man
- landscaping, windbreaks
- Value to wildlife
- food, cover
- Growth Rate
- medium
- Range
