Cornus alba

Tatarian dogwood is a shrub in the dogwood family (Cornaceae). It is grown for its ornamental value and winter interest. Tatarian dogwood is native to eastern and central Asia. The species epithete, alba, means "white." This references the white fruits.

The shrub prefers full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a range of soil conditions. The best blood-red color appears on the new stems. In the spring, the oldest stems should be removed to encourage new growth. It can be pruned to grow as a small tree. It has an upright and loose form that arches with long unbranched stems as it ages. It tends to sucker to form large colonies, which may be objectionable.

Tatarian dogwood fruits attract birds, and the stems provide nesting sites. Flowers are visited by bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This plant is resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits.

Naturalistic plantings in moist soils where plants are allowed to spread and form thickets will make for a low-maintenance landscape that prevents erosion. Mass plant them to use as a property line screen, hedge, or in a shrub border. Site shrubs as accents in areas where key ornamental features and the vibrant red stem color can be appreciated like near a patio or along a walkway. The showy stems provide winter interest in the landscape.

Quick ID Hints:

• a multi-stemmed shrub with arching and erect habit
• red stems during the fall and winter, greenish-red stems during the summer
• prominent lenticels on the stems
• dark green, opposite leaves, the upper surface of which has a wrinkled appearance
• fall foliage yellowish to reddish-purple
• clusters of creamy white blooms
• clusters of white drupes with a bluish tinge

Insects, Diseases, and Other Problems: Leaf miner and scale are less serious potential insect pests. When stressed, the shrub is susceptible to many disease problems. The most serious is dogwood anthracnose. Other diseases include powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot, and leaf and twig blight. It can also become vulnerable to borers. This shrub is more vulnerable to diseases in hot summer climates, especially south of USDA  Zone 7. The plant is weedy, and its suckering can make it difficult to remove. Please consider your planting site carefully. 

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

More information on Cornus.