Grey Twig Dogwood Shrub

Cornus racemosa, or gray dogwood, is a native, deciduous, rhizomatous shrub that can spread into thickets through suckers. Its creamy-white flower clusters, white fruits on reddish stalks, and reddish-purple autumn foliage provide interest across several seasons, as described by the [USDA Forest Service](https://research.fs.usda.gov/feis/species-reviews/corrac) and [North Carolina State Extension](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cornus-racemosa/). The references give different size descriptions: the Forest Service says it is usually 4–10 feet tall, with occasional small trees to 27 feet; North Carolina Extension describes shrubs 4–15 feet high and small trees up to 27 feet. Treat these as context-dependent ranges rather than a single mature-size point. It grows in sun or partial shade and tolerates a broad range of soils, though rich, moist, well-drained conditions are favorable. ## Maintenance Use where suckering and natural spread are acceptable, such as informal borders, wildlife plantings, or erosion-prone banks. Remove unwanted suckers to limit colonization. Water during establishment; once rooted, the species tolerates dry and wet conditions.