Dogwoods, in the genus Cornus, are among the most versatile native shrubs. With seasonal interest, tolerance of less than perfect conditions and benefits for wildlife, these shrubs are worth considering.
There are many benefits of planting native dogwoods. They flower in spring, offering food for native insects and pollinators. They set fruit in autumn, which feeds many species of birds and mammals.
These plants also are attractive additions to the garden. The leaves have a quilted quality with highly visible veining and strong, green leaves. Depending on the variety, berries can be white, purplish-blue or black.
Unique clusters of tiny white flowers are supported on a bed of green leaves. Some varieties have bright red stems that lighten up the winter landscape. Some varieties have leaves that turn burgundy red in autumn.
Dogwoods require little maintenance. Pruning is not necessary unless you are trying to keep the shrub at a certain height. Make a mistake and cut back too much? Dogwoods are very forgiving plants that will persist in gardens in spite of it.
Several native varieties of dogwoods can be grown in the Northeast, including red-twig dogwood (Cornus sericea), pagoda dogwood (C. alternifolia), grey dogwood (C. racemosa) and silky dogwood (C. amomum).
Each species has different uses in the landscape. Some may be found at commercial nurseries, while others may only be available at native conservation nurseries.
Red twig dogwood, also called red osier dogwood, is a landscape powerhouse species of the dogwood genus. This plant is tolerant of wet and dry conditions and partial or full sun. Deer tend to leave them alone though occasionally nibble the spring buds. This plant likes to spread, so it can be useful in areas that need erosion control such as riparian areas but can also compete with other plants if left unmanaged.
The straight species (plant species without cultivars) grows six to nine feet tall and seven to 10 feet wide. Red twig dogwood has many cultivars available, including some that grow smaller and others with more brilliant stem colors.
If you’re trying to create a more ecologically authentic native garden, choose the straight species. If you are looking for a native plant with certain characteristics, there may be a red twig dogwood cultivar that works well for you.
Pagoda dogwood is often found in nature on the edge of woods. This large shrub or small tree has a distinct, airy, horizontal branching pattern that helps it stand out from other plants at the edge of the forest.
Growing 15 to 25 feet tall and 20 to 32 feet wide, the pagoda dogwood can grow in part or full sun with medium moisture requirements. Pink stems hold blue-black fruit propped upright above the dark green, horizontal foliage. The leaves turn a burgundy red in autumn.
Grey dogwood prefers moist to wet soil and full sun to part shade. This plant would be appropriate closer to the water in a riparian buffer planting or in a rain garden. Round, white berries are presented on pink stems in autumn, giving this plant a unique natural look. The grey dogwood grows 10 to 15 feet tall and wide.
Silky dogwood is another species of shrub that prefers medium to wet soil conditions. Similar to the grey dogwood, this species would do better closer to water like in a rain garden or wet area. Growing six to 12 feet tall and wide, it has more of a natural appearance, so may be better planted in areas left to naturalize.
Interested in more? Check out your local nursery to see what species of dogwood are available.
by Bonnie Kirn Donahue, UVM Extension Master Gardener
Featured photo: Grey dogwood, which produces round, white berries on pink stems in autumn, does best in moist to wet soil and full sun to part shade. Photo by Bonnie Donahue
