Gray Dogwood

Cornus sericea | Zones 3-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The gray dogwood is a forage plant for white-tailed deer. The berries appear before most other dogwoods, making it popular with the squirrels and over 100 bird species that eat the fruit. It forms a dense thicket, providing cover and nesting sites for wildlife.  This tough, low-maintenance shrub offers subtle year-round beauty. White panicles of flowers brighten the landscape in June. White berries attract many birds in the late summer and early fall. And the reddish-pink fruit stems persist into the winter, adding a nice color contrast to the gray bark.  

Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa| Zones 4-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

Kousa Dogwoods are very showy for a long period of time in the Spring.   The blooms last for up to a month.   Fall color is a combination of vibrant red and purple leaves.   As an added bonus, deer don’t love this Dogwood like they love the others.  Birds adore the fruit it produces.     

Red Osier Dogwood

Cornus sericea | Zones 2-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The Red Osier dogwood is loved by gardeners, landscapers, and homeowners for its hardiness and versatility. It can grow in a myriad of conditions, including wet soil. Its thicket-forming habit makes it a great hedge option. And the fibrous root system provides effective erosion control on banks and slopes.  The biggest selling point, though, is the shrub’s deep red stems. This vibrant hue remains through winter, creating a pop of color in the snowy, gray months.  A top favorite planting for deer hunters.   

Silky Dogwood 

Cornus amomum | Zones 4-8 | Soil: Widely Adaptable

The Silky dogwood is a great shrub for attracting deer and birds to your landscape.  This is a good shrub selection for moist to wet areas of the landscape. Consider the silky dogwood for moist woodlands, naturalized areas, or sites near streams/ponds. It is also effective for erosion control.  Deer love these bushes for both cover and browsing.