Gray Dogwood
Cornus racemosa · Cornaceae (Dogwood family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Lanceolate to ovate with an acuminate tip
Margin
Entire (smooth edges)
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Arcuate venation, where secondary veins curve strongly toward the leaf tip
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, entire margins, arcuate venation, reddish petioles and stems, and gray bark on mature branches
Description
Gray dogwood is a multi-stemmed, thicket-forming shrub that typically grows 10 to 15 feet tall. It is easily recognized by its distinctive gray twigs, white berries borne on reddish stalks, and opposite, simple leaves with distinctive arcuate veins.
Habitat
Found in moist to dry thickets, borders of woods, along streams, and in open fields and roadsides
Native Range
Native to eastern and midwestern North America, ranging from southern Canada down to the southeastern United States