Cornus controversa

The giant dogwood is a medium to tall ornamental, flowering tree in the dogwood family (Cornaceae). The species is native to China, the Himalayas, Japan, Korea and Vietnam. The specific epithet is Latin for “controversial” and references the alternate leaf arrangement in this species, which is highly unusual for the family.

The giant dogwood enjoys the sun to partial shade and acidic, moist, well-drained soil. 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 seeds.

The growth rate is moderate to rapid. Its form is picturesque, elegant and spreading. This plant has horizontal branches that appear to be "layered." This tree features alternate leaves, an arrangement that is found in only one other dogwood, Cornus alternifolia. 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. It is a good choice for Asian, children’s or formal English gardens.

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.

More information on Cornus.