Cornus controversa

The giant dogwood is a medium to a tall ornamental flowering tree that enjoys the sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. The growth rate is moderate to rapid. Its form is picturesque and wide-spreading. This plant has horizontal branches that appear to be "layered". This tree features alternate leaves which are characteristic of only one other dogwood, Cornus alternifolia. 

This tree is native to China, the Himalayas, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Nepal, and Vietnam.

The genus name, Cornus, is from the Latin word cornu, which means "horn." This is about the hardness of the wood. 

The giant dogwood prefers acidic, moist, and well-drained soils. It will tolerate full sun to partial shade, but the tree performs best in cool summer climates. Pruning will be needed to provide clearance beneath the canopy as the tree matures. The tree may be propagated by stem cuttings, grafting, or seed.

The simple leaves are dark green on the upper surface and appear silverish-green on the undersides. The cultivar, 'Variegata,' has leaves with creamy white margins. The flowers appear in late spring to early summer and are small, creamy-white blooms arranged in clusters. The fruits are small, bluish-black drupes that appear in late summer. The fruits are attractive to birds and small mammals.

 The giant dogwood may be considered for a large home lawn, as a specimen, urban street, or shade tree. The variegated foliage of the cultivar, 'Variegata,' would add interest to any landscape. 

Seasons of Interest:

   Foliage: Fall    Bloom: Summer, early   Fruit: Summer-Fall, bluish-black drupes 

Quick ID Hints:

• medium to large tree
• horizontal branches that appear to be layered
• alternate dark green leaves on the upper surface and silvery-green beneath
• the creamy-white flowers that form into clusters in the late spring
• bluish-black drupes mature in late summer

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Leaf miner and scale are less serious potential insect pests. When stressed, this plant is susceptible to a large number of disease problems. The most serious is dogwood anthracnose. Other diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot, and leaf & twig blight. It can also become vulnerable to borers. 

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home & Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common pests and diseases.