Here is what cast away any glum thoughts I had today - a bright and beautiful flower-fruit stalk of the red-panicled dogwood (Cornus racemosa). A panicle is essentially a multi-branched flower. Doesn't it just lift your spirits, with its bright red panicles?
The white fruits of this dogwood are loved by birds, so not a one is left on the shrub. Another name for this shrub is gray dogwood. Now you see why I prefer red-panicled! It is often found in moist soils in swamps, along streams, or in other wet places. Sometimes it does well in drier places too. It makes a nice yard shrub, but forms a thicket so give it space.
We have other common dogwoods in our woods and wetlands including silky and red-osier, but look for the red panicles and you'll know what you've got. And it will brighten your day.
Love these informative posts! Wish I could see what it looks like with the fruit on it. You have me curious if I've seen one of these in the woods or not!
ReplyDeleteKarl
Ellen, your Blog postings are short, but contain volumes of interesting information! I look forward to each and every one!
ReplyDeleteJohn
Thanks Karl and Jon. Karl, I searched my photo library sure that I had a photo of the berries but no luck. Something for me to remember for next year when the shrub is flowering and then fruiting - take some photos.
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