Giant Dogwood
Arbor Walk #165, Treekeeper ID #7247
The Giant Dogwood is a medium sized tree (50-60 feet at tallest) native to East Asia. Although the “Giant” moniker may seem to be overstating the tree’s height comparative to other trees in the region and on campus, this tree can be 20-30 feet taller than the native Flowering Dogwood, with larger leaves as well. This tree is sometimes known as the “wedding cake tree” for its flat ranks of horizontal branches that give the appearance of a tiered wedding cake when in bloom with white flowers. The ‘June Snow’ cultivar is smaller, at only about 30 feet tall, with flowers that bloom in June and a variety of leaf colors in the fall.
| Common Name(s) | Giant Dogwood |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Cornus controversa syn Swida controversa |
| Indigenous Name(s) | |
| Cultivar/Variety | ‘June Snow’ |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
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.
ID Tips
- The combination of the arcuate veining pattern (common to dogwoods) and the alternate leaf arrangement (rare for dogwoods) will easily distinguish the Giant Dogwood from other dogwoods.
- Compared to the Flowering Dogwood, the Giant Dogwood has larger leaves and a larger growth form.
