This is a widespread northeastern species of varied habitats, but in Ky. it is known only from a few sites on dry uplands of central regions. It has been confused with obliqua or stricta, and hybrids may be expected (Wilson 1965; F, Y, W). The coll. from OHIO (MDKY) has been considered intermediate between racemosa and stricta. C. racemosa differs from stricta in its rhizomatous habit (versus clumped or with decumbent rooting), stems with white to pale brown pith (versus just white), the surface gray (versus reddish or brown) with protruding lenticels (versus bark swelling between lenticels), more elongate cymes with bright red pedicels, smaller pollen grains (43-47 microns versus 48-55), and white fruits (versus deeply bluish). Dubious records due to confusion in nomenclature, possible non-native status or other problems have not been mapped here. Seedlings of racemosa have been widely distributed by Kentucky Division of Forestry, using material propagated from Mo. during 1990-2000 (T. Sheehan, pers. comm.). The probable native records mapped here indicate that racemosa is rare in the state. Other species of Cornus should be preferred for general restoration.