A versatile and fast-growing native shrub, Gray Dogwood offers multi-season beauty and ecological value. Creamy white flower clusters bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by striking blue berries in late summer that are beloved by birds. Its reddish stems add winter interest, making this shrub a standout year-round.
Adapted to Northern Michigan (Zone 5a), Gray Dogwood thrives in moist to wet soils and is ideal for stabilizing streambanks, planting in rain gardens, or restoring wetland edges. It tolerates full sun to part shade and forms dense thickets that provide excellent cover and nesting habitat for wildlife. A vital food source and shelter for birds and pollinators, this hardy shrub is both beautiful and beneficial. Silky Dogwood berries are used by 45 different bird species.
Identification / Key Features: Multi-stemmed shrub with grayish-brown bark, white flower clusters in spring, and white berries in late summer. Leaves are ovate with smooth edges.
Mature Height / Size: 6–12 feet.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast.
Light / Soil / Site Preferences: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist soils; adaptable to wet or dry sites.
Wildlife Value / Ecological Role: Berries eaten by birds and small mammals; provides nesting cover and erosion control.
Uses / Economic / Cultural: Ideal for naturalized landscapes, wildlife gardens, and streambank stabilization.
Size (12-18”)
A versatile and fast-growing native shrub, Gray Dogwood offers multi-season beauty and ecological value. Creamy white flower clusters bloom in late spring to early summer, followed by striking blue berries in late summer that are beloved by birds. Its reddish stems add winter interest, making this shrub a standout year-round.
Adapted to Northern Michigan (Zone 5a), Gray Dogwood thrives in moist to wet soils and is ideal for stabilizing streambanks, planting in rain gardens, or restoring wetland edges. It tolerates full sun to part shade and forms dense thickets that provide excellent cover and nesting habitat for wildlife. A vital food source and shelter for birds and pollinators, this hardy shrub is both beautiful and beneficial. Silky Dogwood berries are used by 45 different bird species.
Identification / Key Features: Multi-stemmed shrub with grayish-brown bark, white flower clusters in spring, and white berries in late summer. Leaves are ovate with smooth edges.
Mature Height / Size: 6–12 feet.
Growth Rate: Moderate to fast.
Light / Soil / Site Preferences: Thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist soils; adaptable to wet or dry sites.
Wildlife Value / Ecological Role: Berries eaten by birds and small mammals; provides nesting cover and erosion control.
Uses / Economic / Cultural: Ideal for naturalized landscapes, wildlife gardens, and streambank stabilization.
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