Cornus racemosa

Commonly called Gray Dogwood, this highly adaptable deciduous flowering shrub naturalizes easily. When left to spread, it will form thickets that are perfect to contain soil erosion and provide cover for native wildlife. Often found along rocky embankments near water or on the edge of woodland, it is tolerant of most soil types. The Gray Dogwood prefers shade and can reach heights and spread of10 to 15 feet.

In the spring, the leaves provide backdrop for the delicate white clusters of blooms that turn into small white berries. The dusky green of the foliage tends to have a grayish hue - hence the name. Fall foliage is more of a dusky purple.

Not the showiest of Dogwoods, this variety is more of a natural workhorse providing pollen, berries and cover. Use to create wide hedgerows or keep it contained in the garden by removing the suckers that pop up in the spring and summer.

Comes to you about 2'-3' tall in a 2 gallon pot