Description

Dogwoods attract numerous birds, mammals, and beneficial insects, and because of their suckering habit, are great for erosion control and forming natural hedges. A thicket-forming, deciduous shrub with grayish-green, lance-shaped leaves. Foliage may age to a dusky purplish red in fall. Creamy white flowers borne in terminal racemes (thus the species name of racemosa) on red stems are followed by clusters of small white berries. Red stem color is more easily seen after the fruits are gone, and often persists into early winter. The bright red fruit stalks are quite ornamental. Attracts birds and butterflies. Supports beneficial insects. Tolerates wide range of soil conditions, including both moist and somewhat dry soils. Height: 10-15 ft. Spread: 10-15 ft. Family: Cornaceae Bloom time: May to June Sun: full sun to part shade Water: medium to wet Rain garden Deer resistant Trying to tell your Cornus sericea (red twig), C. amomum (silky) and C. racemosa (grey) dogwoods apart? Here are a few tips: If the plant is flowering, look at the arrangement of the inflorescence. All three plants have white flowers, but C. sericea and C. amomum both have flat-topped clusters of flowers, while C. racemosa has a terminal raceme of flowers (thus the species name); a round-topped cluster. If the shrubs are bearing fruit: C. amomum has silvery blue berries while C. sericea and C. racemose have white berries. C. amomum has small hairs on the new, reddish twigs and flower buds, thus the common name silky dogwood. Still in doubt? Snap a twig open – the pith color of C. sericea and C. racemosa is white, while the pith of C. amomum is dark brown. And of course, there is the bark color: both C. sericea and C. amomum have stems in shades of red, while C. racemosa has grey bark (thus the common name). Hope this helps! photo credit: Violmsyan