Panicled Dogwood
Cornus racemosa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Panicled dogwood is a multi-stemmed shrub that grows well in part sun with medium moisture, producing clusters of small white flowers in June and July.
Toxicity unknown
Panicled Dogwood (Cornus racemosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Panicled Dogwood as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–180" H × 72"–180" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul
Native to
CT, IA, IL, IN and 21 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
Before you buy
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Panicled dogwood is a native shrub that forms a broad, rounded shape with clusters of small white flowers in summer. It produces white berries that attract birds and has attractive fall color, making it a versatile landscape plant.
Growing Panicled Dogwood
Grow Panicled Dogwood in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 72 to 180 inches tall and spread 72 to 180 inches wide. Expect moderate maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Panicled Dogwood is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: mid zone, foundation.
- Large mature size may overwhelm smaller spaces
- Can spread via suckers if not maintained
Wildlife value
The flowers attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies during summer blooming. Birds feed on the white berries produced in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- How much sunlight does Panicled Dogwood need?
- It grows best in part sun but can tolerate conditions ranging from full sun to part shade.
- How much water does Panicled Dogwood require?
- It does best with medium soil moisture, though established plants can handle wetter or drier spots.
- When does Panicled Dogwood bloom?
- Small white flower clusters appear in June and July.
- What pollinators visit Panicled Dogwood?
- Bees, beetles, and flies are commonly seen visiting the flowers for pollen and nectar.
- Is Panicled Dogwood toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Panicled Dogwood as toxic to livestock.
- Is Panicled Dogwood HOA-friendly?
- Panicled Dogwood is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Panicled Dogwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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