Red Stalks and Feathered Flocks

The Gray Dogwood is a native, deciduous shrub, indigenous to the woodlands, riverbanks, and natural thickets of Southern Ontario. It is a “super bush” — ranking amongst the highest-performing native shrubs for supporting both breeding and migratory birds. Over 40 local bird species feast on those high-fat white berries to fuel up for their autumn migration.

Come spring, the Gray Dogwood’s creamy-white blossoms act as a vital host plant, and pollen/nectar source for scores of local butterflies, moths, and bees.

Fun Fact: Pioneers used the branches of the Gray Dogwood to make primitive, all-natural toothbrushes. A person would cut a fresh, green dogwood twig about the thickness of a pencil and a few inches long. To make some “bristles” they would peel the bark off one end and gently chew on the exposed wood. Because of the dogwood’s unique fibrous structure, the wood fibers would fan out and split into a soft, bushy brush rather than breaking apart. This frayed end was then used to scrub the teeth and massage the gums. So all you campers out there, no worries if you “forget” your toothbrush, just keep your eyes open for some dogwood!

Red Stalks and Feathered Flocks

A splash of white on stems of red,
A grand, autumnal garden bed!
The fair Gray Dogwood stands so proud,
And draws a busy, feathered crowd.

Upon each bright, electric stalk,
The autumn birds arrive to talk—
They snap the high-fat berries down
Before they fly right out of town.

And back when sunny spring was new,
The busy pollinators flew
To find the blossoms rich and sweet,
A local, native, nectar treat.

So here’s to gray bark, tough and strong,
That feeds the wildlife all day long;
A laneway treasure, wild and free,
Wholesome and helpful as can be!

’Til next time, y’all…