Quick answer: Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa) is native to 19 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 15 Sep 2026.
Photo: Mitternacht90 at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons (PUBLIC DOMAIN)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Sun, Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Medium water, Moist |
| Soil | Circumneutral pH soils, low calcium carbonate tolerance |
| Bloom | Bloom May-Jul |
| Height | Up to 16 ft tall |
| Wildlife value | Fruit eaten by Northern Cardinals/Downy Woodpeckers/Eastern Bluebirds, larval host for Spring Azure |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 15 Sep 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Gray dogwood
Where is Gray dogwood native?
Gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa) is native to 19 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Gray dogwood bloom?
Gray dogwood blooms May-Jul. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Gray dogwood need?
Light: Sun, Part Shade, Shade. Water: Medium water, Moist. Soil: Circumneutral pH soils, low calcium carbonate tolerance. Mature height: Up to 16 ft tall.
Is Gray dogwood good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit eaten by Northern Cardinals/Downy Woodpeckers/Eastern Bluebirds, larval host for Spring Azure.
Is Gray dogwood deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Gray dogwood is tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Gray dogwood seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 15 Sep 2026. Look for the scientific name Cornus racemosa on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Gray dogwood.
- Highbush cranberry Viburnum opulus var. americanum
- Nannyberry Viburnum lentago
- Common snowberry Symphoricarpos albus
- Pussy willow Salix discolor
- Bur oak Quercus macrocarpa
- Cockspur hawthorn Crataegus crus-galli
Also listed under
Get the full buying guide
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.