Family: Cornaceae
Author: Lam.
Bibliography: Encycl. 2: 116 (1786)
Year: 1786
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cornus
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to C. & E. U.S.A.
Description
Panicled dogwood, known scientifically as Cornus racemosa, is a beautiful and resilient member of the Cornaceae family. First described in 1786 by the botanist Lam., this species has established itself across central and eastern Canada and the United States, adorning landscapes with its unique charm.
This deciduous shrub is celebrated for its distinctive botanical features. It reaches an average height of 5 to 8 feet but can extend up to 15 feet under optimal conditions. The panicled dogwood is particularly noted for its multi-stemmed growth habit, which creates a dense, thicket-like appearance that provides excellent cover and habitat for various wildlife species.
One of the most striking aspects of Cornus racemosa is its flowering pattern. The plant produces clusters—or panicles—of small, creamy white flowers that bloom typically from late spring to early summer. These blossoms not only add a touch of elegance to gardens and natural settings but also attract a myriad of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, thereby supporting local ecosystems.
Following the flowering period, the plant develops small, white to bluish fruits that ripen in late summer to early fall. These fruits are a food source for many bird species, making the panicled dogwood a valuable plant for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Additionally, the leaves of Cornus racemosa undergo a delightful transformation with the changing seasons. They are a lush green during the growing season and transition to shades of red, bronze, or purplish-red in the fall, providing a vibrant splash of color to the autumn landscape.
Adaptable to a range of soil types and moisture conditions, panicled dogwood is often used in naturalized plantings, rain gardens, and as a part of hedgerows or screens in landscaping designs. Its ability to thrive in both full sun and partial shade makes it a versatile and hardy choice for various environmental settings.
Overall, Cornus racemosa exemplifies a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal, ecological function, and adaptability, which likely accounts for its widespread presence across its native range. Whether utilized for its ornamental qualities or its ecological benefits, the panicled dogwood remains a cherished plant in both cultivated and wild landscapes.
Enriching the biodiversity of the areas it inhabits, panicled dogwood stands as a testament to nature’s intricate beauty and resilience.
Common Names
Eng: gray dogwood, panicled dogwood, grey dogwood, northern swamp dogwood, red-panicled dogwood
Deu: rispen-hartriegel
Fra: cornouiller à grappes
Swe: silverkornell
En: Panicled dogwood, Gray dogwood, Northern Swamp Dogwood, Grey dogwood, Red-panicled dogwood
Ar: قرانيا عنقودية
Fi: Terttukanukka
Fr: Cornouiller à grappes
De: Rispen-Hartriegel
Sv: Silverkornell
Synonyms
- Swida candidissima (Small)
- Cornus gracilis (Koehne)
- Cornus comosa (Raf.)
- Cornus foemina subsp. racemosa ((Lam.) J.S.Wilson)
- Cornus racemosa f. caeruleocarpa (Oswald)
- Cornus racemosa f. nielsenii (J.W.Moore)
- Cornus paniculata var. albida ((Ehrh.) Pursh)
- Cornus paniculata var. radiata (Pursh)
- Swida gracilis ((Koehne) Soják)
- Thelycrania racemosa ((Lam.) D.Löve & J.-P.Bernard)
- Cornus paniculata (L’Hér.)
- Cornus albida (Ehrh.)
- Swida racemosa ((Lam.) Moldenke)
Distribution
- Connecticut (native)
- District of Columbia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 6, 2021 by yangsheng zhang (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2021 by yangsheng zhang (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2021 by bryan brunet (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Charlene Knowlton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2022 by chiasson.yolande (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Thomas Davis-Moore (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 27, 2015 by EOL − camelcreek (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 7, 2021 by Kay S (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2021 by Alex Wylie (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 4, 2021 by Joseph Martin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 9, 2022 by Charlene Knowlton (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Eric Le5 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 3, 2022 by Prescott Bergh (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2021 by David Forrest (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jul 30, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Nov 2, 2015 by EOL − Tomas Curtis (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 18, 2010 by EOL − Chicago Botanic Garden 2010 (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Mike Elliott (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 30, 2006 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3082264)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271653-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornus racemosa Lam.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Shrub
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.4
Ph minimum: 4.8