Description
Cornus racemosa (Grey Dogwood) Seeds
Zone: 3 to 8.
Native to southeastern Canada and the northeastern United States.
Its natural habitat includes open woodlands, fields, areas along streams, ponds and roadsides. It prefers moist soil but can adapt to a variety of soil types. Foliage consists of grey-green opposite leaves that are lanceolate to ovate and up to 4 inches (10 cm) long and 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) wide. Autumn colour is an attractive reddish-purple. It bears small dome-shaped panicles of white flowers followed by white berry-like fruit. The bark of older branches is grey, while newer stems are pale green, yellowish green, or red.
The grey dogwood is an excellent shrub near foundations, entrance ways, mass planting and for naturalizing landscapes. It does well in full sun or part shade.
Size: Height 8 to 15 ft; Width 8 to 15 ft.
Germination Instructions
Soak seeds for 24 hours and drain.
Stratification: Seed requires 60 days warm stratification followed by 60 days cold moist stratification at 3° C (37° F) to 5° C (41° F).
- Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
- Place seeds in sandwich bag(s), with a bit of damp sand or vermiculite to keep moist.
- Keep at room temperature for about 60 days. Occasionally lightly spray water to keep seeds and sand moist.
- Place the bag(s) with seeds in refrigerator for about 60 days.
- After the required time take the seeds out of the refrigerator and sow the seeds in pots 3/8 inch deep and cover lightly. Water gently so as not to wash away the seeds. Keep soil moist but not wet.
