Is cross species grafting possible in Dogwoods? - Ask Extension
In particular, can Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus Mas) be grafted onto Gray Dogwood (Cornus Racemosa)?
Knowledgebase
Is cross species grafting possible in Dogwoods? #831688
Asked May 23, 2023, 6:07 PM EDT
In particular, can Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus Mas) be grafted onto Gray Dogwood (Cornus Racemosa)?
Johnson County Iowa
Expert Response
I do not know of any studies or research that have looked into the compatibility of Cornus mas and Cornus racemosa. Dogwoods in general are not frequently grafted and those few that are grafted tend to be cultivars of the tree (non-suckering) forms like Cornus florida and Cornus kousa. When these species are grafted, they are almost always grafted to a rootstock of the same species, often a seedling of the straight species. The most successful rootstock for Cornus mas will be another variety or seedling of C. mas.
Grafts between different species in the same genus are sometimes possible (many of the Prunus and Malus species can be grafted to each other, for example). There is a chance that this is true for Cornus as well. With that said, there is no documented study that I have come across that show this to be true. Cornus florida and C. kousa are sometimes grafted to each other as well as to other closely related species like C. nuttallii, C. alternifolia, and C. controversa. But C. mas and C. racemosa are very different types/species. It certainly would be an interesting project to try.
The main point of concern would be that even if the graft was successful between C. mas and C. racemosa, the two species have such different growth habits and sizes that they would not likely be compatible long-term. The highly suckering nature of C. racemosa make it a poor potential rootstock as it is very likely the rootstock will sucker extensively and take over the scion. Combine that with the big difference in size and growth rate between the two species and they quickly become poor partners for grafting, even if the graft union between the two species could be successful.
Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question
Happy gardening!
--Aaron
Grafts between different species in the same genus are sometimes possible (many of the Prunus and Malus species can be grafted to each other, for example). There is a chance that this is true for Cornus as well. With that said, there is no documented study that I have come across that show this to be true. Cornus florida and C. kousa are sometimes grafted to each other as well as to other closely related species like C. nuttallii, C. alternifolia, and C. controversa. But C. mas and C. racemosa are very different types/species. It certainly would be an interesting project to try.
The main point of concern would be that even if the graft was successful between C. mas and C. racemosa, the two species have such different growth habits and sizes that they would not likely be compatible long-term. The highly suckering nature of C. racemosa make it a poor potential rootstock as it is very likely the rootstock will sucker extensively and take over the scion. Combine that with the big difference in size and growth rate between the two species and they quickly become poor partners for grafting, even if the graft union between the two species could be successful.
Further questions can be directed to your local county Extension office. This local resource is very helpful since they are familiar with trends and issues in your part of the state. Click on this link to get connected directly with a staff person in your county Extension office and ask your gardening question. https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/ask-gardening-question
Happy gardening!
--Aaron
