Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida), Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii), Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas), Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa), Giant Dogwood (Cornus controversa)
Cornus, commonly known as Dogwood, is a genus comprising around 30 to 60 species of woody plants. These are often small to medium-sized deciduous trees or shrubs that are primarily known for their beautiful, showy flowers and brightly colored fruit.
Cornus is part of the Cornaceae family. Notable species include Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood), Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood), and Cornus sericea (Redosier Dogwood), among others.
Native: Most Dogwood species are native to North America, East Asia, and Europe, with specific species often localized to certain geographical areas. For example, Cornus florida is native to eastern North America, while Cornus kousa is native to Asia.
Growth Habit: Cornus can vary widely in form, from deciduous trees to shrubs and even ground cover. The types of Cornus can be categorized as either flowering, twig, or fruiting dogwoods.
Size: Dogwoods vary in size, ranging from small shrubs, such as the Cornus canadensis reaching 4-9 inches (10-22 cm) tall, to larger species like Cornus florida, which can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) in height.
Flowers and Blooming Season: Dogwood flowers are iconic symbols of spring, offering delicate, star-shaped blossoms in shades of white, pink, or yellow. Often mistaken as petals, the flower’s showy bracts surround a small, inconspicuous central cluster. Most Cornus species bloom in the late spring, although some flower as early as late winter or as late as early summer, depending on the species and local climate conditions.
Foliage: Cornus leaves are usually opposite, simple, and oval-shaped, often displaying beautiful autumn coloration in shades of red and purple.
Fruit: The fruit of Cornus plants is typically a bright red or white berry-like drupe that attracts birds and other wildlife.
Hardiness: Dogwoods are hardy in USDA zones 2 to 10, depending on the species.
Uses: Dogwood trees are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes for their attractive flowers, fall color, and interesting bark. Some species, like the Cornelian cherry, have edible fruit that can be used to make jams, jellies, and beverages. The wood of dogwood trees is dense and strong, making it valuable for crafting tool handles, golf club heads, and other items that require durability.
Pollinators: The flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.
Toxicity: The toxicity of dogwood plants can vary, and it’s important to identify the specific species you’re dealing with. While some species produce fruit that is consumed by wildlife and has traditional culinary uses, others can be toxic. Specifically, the fruit of flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is poisonous to humans and should be avoided. Some species may also present toxicity risks to dogs. Therefore, proper identification and knowledge of the specific dogwood species you are dealing with are essential for safety.
Deer and Rabbit: Cornus species have varying degrees of resistance to deer and rabbits, depending largely on the availability of other food sources.
Invasiveness: Most Cornus species are not considered invasive, although they can spread through suckering if not properly managed.
Fun Facts: Native American tribes used the bark and roots of certain species to treat various ailments, highlighting the plant’s historical and ongoing significance.
Cornus florida – Flowering Dogwood
Dogwood trees and shrubs hold a special place in gardens and landscapes for several reasons:
Four-Season Interest: Many dogwoods offer year-round visual appeal—spring flowers, summer berries, vibrant fall foliage, and visually striking winter bark.
Floral Beauty: Dogwoods are especially renowned for their springtime blossoms. While people often think these are flowers, they are technically bracts, or specialized leaves, that surround a cluster of small, actual flowers. This unique arrangement creates a dramatic floral display.
Wildlife Attraction: The berries produced by many dogwoods are a food source for birds and other wildlife, adding an ecological benefit to their ornamental value. The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a beloved tree that draws in a variety of birds, such as the American Robin, Blue Jay, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, and others. Its attractive blooms and vibrant berries offer essential food sources, making it a cherished habitat component for avian species.
Variety: Dogwoods come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from ground-covering subshrubs to tall trees. They also offer a variety of flower colors, including white, pink, and red, making them versatile choices for different garden themes and sizes.
Cultural Significance: The dogwood is rich in symbolism and folklore. In the United States, the flowering dogwood is a symbol of spring and rebirth, and in Christian tradition, it is sometimes associated with Easter.
Adaptability: Several species are remarkably adaptable to different soil types and environmental conditions, including some tolerance to drought and poorer soil qualities.
Disease Resistance: Modern cultivars have been developed to be resistant to diseases like anthracnose and powdery mildew, making them easier to maintain.
Easy to Grow: Generally, dogwoods are low-maintenance plants. They can often tolerate less-than-ideal conditions and still produce their characteristic blossoms and foliage.
Architectural Interest: The layered branching pattern of some dogwood species, like the Pagoda Dogwood, offers strong architectural interest, even when the tree is bare in winter.
Native Choices: Many areas have native dogwoods that are well-adapted to local conditions and serve native wildlife, making them excellent choices for ecologically responsible gardening.
Shade Tolerance: Certain types of dogwoods can thrive in partial to full shade, making them useful for brightening up darker areas of the landscape.
Erosion Control: The root system of some species is effective at soil stabilization, making them useful for planting on slopes and along streams to control erosion.
With all these attributes, it’s no wonder that dogwoods are a cherished feature in many gardens.
Cornus kousa – Kousa Dogwood fruit
| Hardiness |
2 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs, Trees |
| Plant Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 40' (30cm - 12.2m) |
| Spread |
1' - 40' (30cm - 12.2m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United Kingdom, United States, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, Rocky Mountains, Alaska, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, California, Northeast, Midwest, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, South Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Choosing the right dogwood for your garden depends on a variety of factors, including climate, soil conditions, available space, and your specific landscaping needs. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
By considering these factors, you’ll be better equipped to choose a dogwood that not only survives but thrives in your garden.
Winter Garden with Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Flame (Bloodtwig Dogwood), Sedum, and Rubus thibetanus (Ghost Bramble)
Landscaping with dogwood shrubs and trees can transform your garden into a year-round haven of beauty and wildlife interest. Here are some ideas on how to incorporate dogwoods into your landscape design:
Focal Point: The larger dogwood tree species, like Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood) or Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood), make striking focal points in the landscape with their showy spring flowers and vibrant autumn foliage. You can use them as standalone specimens or plant them in groups for a more dramatic effect.
Screening and Boundaries: The smaller, more shrub-like dogwoods, such as Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood) or Cornus sanguinea (Common Dogwood), work well as natural screens or hedges, helping to define the boundaries of your property or to create private areas within the garden.
Mixed Borders: Dogwoods are excellent in mixed borders with other shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Their foliage, flowers, and fruit add layers of texture and color, while their varying heights and forms contribute to the overall composition.
Waterside Planting: Several species of dogwood, including Cornus amomum (Silky Dogwood) and Cornus foemina (Swamp Dogwood), are well-suited for wetland areas or planting alongside ponds and streams. Their root systems help prevent soil erosion.
Woodland Gardens: Dogwoods are naturally found in woodland settings and make an excellent addition to shade or woodland gardens. Their tolerance for a variety of light conditions makes them versatile choices for planting under larger trees or in dappled shade.
Wildlife Gardens: The berries of dogwood trees and shrubs attract a variety of birds, while the flowers draw pollinators. Consider a mix of dogwood species to provide food and habitat for local wildlife.
Container Planting: Smaller dogwood species or dwarf varieties can be successfully grown in containers. This is an excellent option for patios or smaller spaces.
Seasonal Interest: Remember that dogwoods offer multi-season interest—spring flowers, summer shade and berries, fall foliage, and even colorful stems in the winter (like the red stems of Cornus sericea). Plan your landscape to take advantage of each of these features.
Cornus florida f. rubra (Pink Flowering Dogwood) in spring.
Companion plants can greatly enhance the beauty and health of your dogwood shrubs and trees. Here are some suggestions for plants that pair well with dogwoods in various garden settings:
Choosing companion plants with different but complementary bloom times, colors, and forms can extend the visual interest in the area around your dogwoods from spring through fall and into winter.
Growing and caring for dogwood plants can be a rewarding experience, as these versatile trees and shrubs offer year-round beauty and wildlife appeal. Here’s a guide to help you achieve gardening success with dogwoods:
Dogwood trees can be affected by several pests and diseases. While they are generally quite resilient, it’s important to monitor the health of your tree and address any issues promptly. Some common pests and diseases affecting dogwood trees include:
Dogwood Anthracnose: This fungal disease, caused by Discula destructiva, affects the leaves, twigs, and branches of the tree. Symptoms include tan or purple-bordered leaf spots, twig dieback, and cankers on the trunk. To control anthracnose, prune and dispose of infected branches, maintain good air circulation, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Spot Anthracnose: Spot Anthracnose, primarily affecting flowering dogwood trees, is a fungal disease caused by Elsinoë corni. Symptoms include small, purplish spots on leaves and blossoms. The disease is more prevalent in wet spring conditions.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal infection appears as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves and stems. It can cause leaf distortion, yellowing, and premature leaf drop. To manage powdery mildew, ensure proper air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and apply fungicides when necessary.
Dogwood Borer: This insect pest, Synanthedon scitula, burrows into the trunk and branches, causing damage that can weaken or kill the tree. Signs of infestation include sawdust-like frass around entry holes and branch dieback. To control borers, maintain the overall health of the tree, apply a protective insecticide barrier, and remove and destroy infested branches.
Dogwood Club Gall Midge: This tiny fly, Resseliella clavula, lays eggs on the growing tips of dogwood trees, causing the formation of spindle-shaped galls. Prune and destroy affected branches to control the infestation.
Leaf Spot Diseases: Various fungi can cause leaf spots on dogwood trees, leading to discolored or dead areas on the leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove fallen leaves to reduce the spread of fungal spores.
Dogwood Twig Borer: Oberea tripunctata is a beetle that can cause dieback and girdling of branches. Prune and destroy affected branches, and maintain tree health to reduce susceptibility.
Scale Insects: Scale insects can infest dogwood trees, leading to yellowing leaves, branch dieback, and a decline in overall tree health. Control scales with horticultural oil sprays, insecticides, or by releasing natural predators like ladybugs.
Crown Canker: This disease, caused by the fungus Phytophthora, affects the base of the trunk and causes cankers, which can lead to girdling and tree death. Avoid wounding the tree, ensure proper drainage, and apply fungicides if needed.
To prevent or mitigate these issues, maintain the overall health of your dogwood tree through proper planting, watering, mulching, and pruning practices. Additionally, monitor your tree regularly for signs of pests or diseases, and take prompt action when necessary.
| Hardiness |
2 - 10 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials, Shrubs, Trees |
| Plant Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest |
Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter |
| Height |
1' - 40' (30cm - 12.2m) |
| Spread |
1' - 40' (30cm - 12.2m) |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy |
| Native Plants | United Kingdom, United States, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maine, Rocky Mountains, Alaska, Southeast, Pacific Northwest, Southwest, California, Northeast, Midwest, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, North Dakota, Kansas, Indiana, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, South Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia, Virginia, Florida, Arkansas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Kentucky, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Montana, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming |
| Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
| Landscaping Ideas | Beds And Borders |
| Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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