2 INCH WOODEN BLINDS

The Gray Dogwood, 'Cornus racemosa', is a deciduous shrub which typically occurs in moist or rocky ground along streams, ponds, wet meadows, glade and prairie margins, thickets and rocky bluffs. It grows 10-15' tall and features white flowers borne in terminal racemes (hence the species name of racemosa) in late spring and grayish-green, elliptic to lance-shaped leaves (2-4" long). Foliage turns an interesting dusky purplish red in fall. Terminal stems holding the flowers are distinctively red and provide interesting contrast to the clusters of small white berries which form after the flowers have dropped.
Red stem color is more easily seen after the fruits are gone, and red color often persists into early winter. Excellent when planted in groups and left alone to spread in naturalized areas or native plant gardens. Also effective in shrub borders, along streams or ponds or near buildings or when planted as a screen. Can be particularly useful because of its ability to grow in poor soils. Easily grown in average, medium wet, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade. Tolerant of city air pollution.

FYI:
The flowering quince is an easy to grow, round-topped, deciduous shrub growing 6 feet tall and 10 feet across. This shrub is a mass of tangled, thorny branches with mundane foliage. But, in spring the beast becomes a beauty with showy single or double blossoms. The flowering quince produces stout thorns.

Quince foliage emerges maroon-green in the spring just as the flowers are fading. The tangled branches and thorns of the flowering quince make it an excellent security barrier plant. This shrub can also be espaliered (trained to grow against a wall) and is a popular bonsai choice. It prefers full sun, which is needed for best ornamental display, although it is tolerant of partial shade.

Flowering quince, provided the flowers are not killed by a late freeze, will produce a hard, ugly, pear-like fruit. These tart fruit can be used in jelly making. Pruning the quince encourages better blooming and helps to keep the tangled branches under control.

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