Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Giant Dogwood are arranged alternately (rare for members of the dogwood family) and are simple leaves. They are 3″to 6″ long, ovately shaped with arcuate veins (curling towards the tip) and a long acuminate tip. The margin of the leaf is smooth, and the petiole is long and red. The leaves are glabrous (smooth) on top and glaucous (slightly waxy) underneath.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twig of the Giant Dogwood is light green, glabrous, and slightly zigzag. The twig matures to a reddish brown. The terminal buds are reddish-green or red and consist of overlapping pairs of valvate (clam-like) scales. The lateral buds are extremely indistinct.
Bark Identification
The young bark of the Giant Dogwood is yellow-brown with pale vertical striations and some circular lenticels. Upon maturity, the bark will turn grey-brown.
Fruit Identification
The fruits of the Giant Dogwood are drupes (pitted fruit), blue-black in color and spherical in shape. They have a fleshy interior and are 0.25″ in diameter. They are borne on the same panicles as the flowers.
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Giant Dogwood are cream white in color, with four thin, pointed petals and four stamens per flower. The flowers are mounted on dense panicles that can be quite showy.