Gray Dogwood
cornus racemosa
Also known as: ["Gray Dogwood","Cornel","Swamp Dogwood"]
Overview
A deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its clusters of white flowers and white berries in the fall.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change","drought tolerant","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Genus: | Cornus |
| Botanical Name: | Cornus racemosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Shrubs
- Suitable Location: garden bed or border in temperate regions
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–29 to 43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate to well-draining; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Tolerates a range of soils but prefers loamy, well-drained soil with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; light pruning can be done in late winter if needed.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if rejuvenation is needed.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates light shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to direct sunlight to avoid scorching; place in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf diseases.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid intense midday sun in summer; provide dappled shade in hot regions; rotate plant for even light exposure.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid waterlogging; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
moist, well-drained loamy soil
pH: Adaptable pH range (6.0–7.5); slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–7; tolerates cold temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C); prefers moderate temperatures in summer.
Protect from late frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; provide shade during heatwaves.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid nitrogen-heavy fertilizers; water thoroughly after application.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Provide indirect light.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when new growth is firm but not woody.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth (65–75°F or 18–24°C).
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with added perlite or sand for drainage.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots typically develop in 4–8 weeks; plants may take a full growing season to establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, peat-based mix, plastic wrap or propagator.
Quick Tips
Use sharp, clean tools; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight; check for roots after 4 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to encourage bushier growth; remove crossing or crowded stems.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering. Prune after flowering to avoid cutting off next year's buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune after flowering; remove dead/diseased wood; shape as needed; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
N/A (grown in ground); for container-grown plants, repot in early spring before new growth starts.
Pot Size
N/A (grown in ground); for container-grown plants, move up one pot size (2–3 inches larger in diameter).
Method
N/A (grown in ground); for container-grown plants, gently remove root ball, trim roots if necessary, and repot in fresh soil with improved drainage.
Suggestions
Cornus racemosa is typically grown in the ground; repotting is not applicable unless grown in a container.
Checklist
N/A (grown in ground); for container-grown plants: choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; ensure drainage; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water begins to drain from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry moderately before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate sand or perlite for drainage if needed.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; dieback or delayed bud break in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures can cause dieback of new growth and delay flowering; severe cold may damage buds or stems.
Solution: Plant in a sheltered location; apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate roots; avoid late-season pruning to prevent frost damage.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can lead to leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; may cause stress-induced leaf drop.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering during heatwaves; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid over-fertilization; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply according to package instructions, avoiding over-fertilization.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCornus racemosa is not toxic to cats. The plant does not contain any known substances that are harmful to felines upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCornus racemosa is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented cases of toxicity in canines from ingestion of this plant.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCornus racemosa, commonly known as gray dogwood, is not considered toxic to humans. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would cause adverse effects upon ingestion.
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Cornus racemosa attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds with its flowers and berries.
Q: Is Cornus racemosa toxic to pets?
A: There is no reliable information available regarding its toxicity to pets.
Q: How much sunlight does Cornus racemosa need?
A: It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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