flowering dogwood

Plant Type

Small Tree/Large Shrub (10-25 ft)

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

15-25 ft. tall
15-30 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Drought

Inolerant of

Poorly Drained Soil

Propagation

By seed

Plant Propagation Notes

Seeds require 30-60 days of cold moist stratification to germinate.

Plants/Diseases

Flowering dogwood is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases including calico scale, dogwood borer, dogwood sawfly, Japanese maple scale, leafhoppers, oyster shell scale, powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot and leaf, twig blight crown canker, bacterial leaf scorch, powdery mildew and septoria leaf spot. Dogwood anthracnose is not all that common, except at 1800 feet or higher elevation. Spot anthracnose is more common.   Trees are sensitive to pollution and are not usually suitable for urban environments.

Wildlife Benefits

Nectar/pollen source for pollinating insects, Host plant for butterfly larvae, Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Simple, opposite leaves with distinctive veination patterns.

Flowers

Large white flowers with four petals.

Fruit

Bright red drupes.

Bark

Young bark is brown maturing to grey with square to rectangle ridges.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Light Exposure

Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade

Soil Moisture

Medium, Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acidic (less than 6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Dry to moist forests and woodlands.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Common in the coastal plain, piedmont, and mountains.