Plant care & info

Family:Cornaceae

Genus: Cornus

Common Name: Dogwood

45-50 species are native to Asia, Europe, and North America. Several species are native to the Pacific Northwest.

The genus is made up of trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. Flowers are borne in clusters that are sometimes surrounded by modified leaves called bracts. Often, the bracts are confused with flowers as they are brightly colored and showy in spring.

With the exception of Cornus alternifolia and Cornus controversa, leaves are opposite. Variegated leaf-forms exist, but most species have medium green leaves that turn red and purple in autumn.

Fruit is 2 seeded and ranges in color from white to pink to red.

Tree-form dogwoods range from 15’ to 35’ tall. Shrub-form dogwoods range from 12” to 15’ tall. Herbaceous dogwoods form a mat and reach 3-6” tall.

Cultural needs vary widely. Many dogwoods grow as under story trees in their native habitats, thriving with filtered sunlight. Native soil has also built a perfect structure after years of leaf and needle drop, forming a natural compost on the forest floor. It is rare to find such conditions within city limits.

For best results, plant the tree in a spot with morning sun and shade in the afternoon. Too much shade will inhibit flowering and fall color, and too much sun can burn leaves. If you ignore this and choose a spot with full sun, realize that the tree will require more water in summer and may have scorched leaves.

Mix compost and EB Stone Sure Start Fertilizer into the soil when planting. Water immediately after planting, even if it’s raining.

Add a layer of mulch over the surface of the roots, taking care to leave the trunk clear.

During the first year, the tree will require regular irrigation. Water deeply for 20-30 minutes, enough to soak the root system. Water infrequently, maybe twice a week, when temperatures are in the 80-90 degree range—more if temperatures are hotter and less if it is colder. Soaker hoses and Tree Gators work well to provide slow-release deep watering. When tree roots are established, they require less irrigation.

Lawn watering that is daily and shallow is not appropriate for establishing healthy root systems in trees.

Dogwoods are prone to several fungal diseases.

EXPLORE MORE DOGWOODS

Pagoda Dogwood

Cornus alternifolia: Pagoda Dogwood

A small tree that grows with a tiered habit, almost like a pagoda. Small, creamy-white flower clusters bloom in June. The foliage is green and fall color is red to purple. The fruit is blue-black. Cornus alternifolia ‘Argentea’ is a variegated form with white and green leaves that is rare in cultivation. Grows to 15-20’x15-20’ wide. Sun to part shade. Zone 3.

Giant Dogwood

Cornus controversa: Giant Dogwood

One of the largest-growing species. Creamy white flower clusters bloom in June. Leaves are green with purple fall color. Fruit starts out red and turns black in late summer. This fast grower has a horizontal branching habit and reaches heights of 35-45’. Sun to part shade. Moist soil. Zone 5.

Eastern Dogwood

Cornus florida: Eastern Dogwood

Native to the Eastern US. Cornus florida, the most commonly known dogwood, has many cultivated varieties. True flowers are small and greenish yellow, surrounded by white or pink bracts which function as flowers.

Most of the pink dogwoods that bloom around Portland every May are Cornus florida ‘Rubra’. Several cultivars are available that have variegated leaves, adding a decorative aspect to the tree during summer months when flowering is over. Grows slowly to 15-20’ tall with a traditional round shape. Grows best with morning sun and afternoon shade.

Cornus florida is susceptible to anthracnose and other diseases that affect Dogwoods. Please check the disease information available on this page. Zone 6.

Stellar series Dogwoods

Cornus florida x Cornus kousa: Stellar series Dogwoods

Bred for the excellent flowering of Cornus florida and disease resistance of Cornus kousa. White and pink forms are available.

Eddie’s White Wonder Dogwood

Cornus florida x Cornus nuttallii ‘Eddie’s White Wonder’: Eddie’s White Wonder Dogwood

Produces white flowers and a vigorous upright habit. Green leaves turn orange-red in fall, and small red fruits develop as well. Grows 35’x20′. Part shade. Zone 7.

Korean/Chinese Dogwood

Cornus kousa: Korean/Chinese Dogwood

True flowers are small and yellow, with showy bracts similar to Cornus florida (but smaller). Flowers bloom in June after leaves have grown in. The large round fruit is strawberry red and very decorative amongst the red and purple leaves of autumn. Grows slowly to 15-20’. Its shape is vase-like in youth, broadening to a multi-level tiered shape when mature. Zone 5.

Cornus kousa is very resistant to many of the diseases affecting dogwood trees that are native to the US. For that reason, it has become the dogwood of choice for many Portland gardeners.

Cornus nuttallii

Cornus kousa x Cornus nuttallii

A group of hybrids that retain the disease resistance of Cornus kousa while benefiting from the flowering and growth qualities reflected in both parents. ‘Starlight’ and ‘Venus’ are two cultivars that are readily available.

Starlight

Cornus kousa x Cornus nuttallii ‘Starlight’

Large white flowers appear before leaves emerge and resemble Cornus nuttallii. ‘Starlight’ grows in an upright oval shape. Grows 30’x20-25’. Sun to part shade. Zone 6.

Venus

Cornus kousa x Cornus nuttallii ‘Venus’

White flowers appear from April through May. The glossy leaves and shrubby habit is similar to Cornus kousa. Grows to 15’x20’. Zone 6.

Cornelian Cherry

Cornus mas: Cornelian Cherry

Small yellow flowers appear in late winter before green leaves emerge. The common name comes from the edible, cherry-like fruit it produces. Bark has a rough and interesting texture. Grows to 20-25’x15’. Full sun. Zone 4.

Pacific Dogwood

Cornus nuttallii: Pacific Dogwood

Our native Dogwood tree that blooms with brilliant white flowers from April through May, and often surprises with a second bloom in autumn! Cornus nuttallii is notorious for being difficult to grow in captivity, so it is very hard to find in nurseries. Portland Nursery is able to supply a few small sizes, plus several named cultivars that have been easier for growers to work with.

Colrigo Giant

Cornus nuttallii ‘Colrigo Giant’

Found growing near the Bridge of the Gods in the Gorge. It has very large flowers spanning up to 7” across. It has extra all-around vigor and reaches a mature size of 45’.

‘Gold Spot’ has white flowers and green leaves with yellow spots. The fruit is small and red. Grows fast to 30-40’ tall with an upright oval shape. Part shade. Zone 7.

Cornus: Dogwood

Plant care & info