WSU Clark County Extension
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Giant Dogwood

Scientific name: Cornus controversa 'Variegata'
Taxonomy
Family:Cornaceae
Type:Deciduous tree
Native:NO
Plant Requirements
Zone:5 to 8
Sun:Partial shade
Moisture:Dry
Plant Characteristics
Height:25 ft
Width:25 ft
Bloom:Showy flowers
Bloom Time:May to June
Bloom Color:White
Additional Characteristics
Trees


Fruit

Leaves


Bark
Wildlife value

Poisonous
Description This a beautiful tree with its tiered branches and creamy edged leaves for the shaded garden site. It is often referred to as the Wedding Cake tree.

  Morphology:
This garden tree grows to 25’ in both height and width. The limbs are notably held horizontal giving a strongly layered form. The leaves are green with creamy white edges giving the tree a very soft texture.

Flowers form in May. Multiple flowers are arranged in upright flattened clusters, up to 7” across. Later the flowers morph to blue-black berries which the song birds will feed upon.

Give this tree the space it needs to spread out. Otherwise pruning will destroy its natural shape.

  Adaptation:
This tree is best adapted to partial shaded sites with acidic soils.

  Pests:
Dogwood anthracnose does not seem be a problem on this species.
For assistance, contact Dr. Charles Brun (brunc@wsu.edu), (360) 397-6060 5701
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