About the
Dogwood - Greytwig :
The Gray Dogwood is a deciduous shrub
which typically occurs in moist or rocky
ground along streams, ponds, wet meadows,
glade and prairie margins, thickets and
rocky bluffs. It grows 10-15' tall and
features white flowers borne in terminal
racemes (hence the species name of racemosa)
in late spring and grayish-green, elliptic
to lance-shaped leaves (2-4" long). Foliage
turns an interesting dusky purplish red in
fall. Terminal stems holding the flowers are
distinctively red and provide interesting
contrast to the clusters of small white
berries which form after the flowers have
dropped.
Red stem color is more easily seen after
the fruits are gone, and red color often
persists into early winter. Excellent when
planted in groups and left alone to spread
in naturalized areas or native plant
gardens. Also effective in shrub borders,
along streams or ponds or near buildings or
when planted as a screen. Can be
particularly useful because of its ability
to grow in poor soils. Easily grown in
average, medium wet, well-drained soil in
full sun to part shade. Tolerant of city air
pollution.
