Dogwoods are beloved for their stunning flowers, distinctive bark, and vibrant fall colors. This list covers 15 types of dogwood trees and shrubs, each with unique traits, ideal for gardeners, landscapers, and nature enthusiasts seeking to identify or select the perfect dogwood for their space.
1. Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
Native to eastern North America, Cornus florida is the classic flowering dogwood known for its large white or pink bracts that bloom in spring. It typically grows 15-30 feet tall and offers striking red berries in fall, attracting birds. Its multi-season interest makes it a top choice for ornamental planting.
2. Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)
The Kousa dogwood is an Asian species prized for its unique, star-shaped white flowers that bloom later than Cornus florida, often in late spring to early summer. It has exfoliating bark and produces edible red fruits in autumn, adding interest beyond just flowers.
3. Cornus nuttallii (Pacific Dogwood)
Native to the western United States, Pacific dogwood features large white bracts and a broad, spreading canopy. It thrives in cooler, moist climates and is notable for its glossy green leaves and deep red fall foliage, making it a regional favorite.
4. Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry Dogwood)
This European species blooms early in late winter or early spring with small yellow flowers before leaf-out. It is valued for its edible cherry-like fruit and dense, shrub-like growth habit, often used for hedges or wildlife gardens.
5. Cornus sericea (Redosier Dogwood)
Known for its striking red stems, especially visible in winter, Redosier dogwood is a fast-growing shrub native to North America. It tolerates wet soils well and is commonly used in erosion control and naturalized landscapes.
6. Cornus alba (Siberian Dogwood)
This shrub is prized for its bright red or yellow stems that stand out in winter landscapes. Siberian dogwood grows 6-10 feet tall and produces small white flower clusters in summer, followed by white berries favored by birds.
7. Cornus controversa (Giant Dogwood)
Giant dogwood is a large tree native to Asia with tiered horizontal branching that creates a layered effect. It has white flower clusters in late spring and attractive yellow fall foliage, making it a dramatic specimen tree.
8. Cornus sanguinea (Common Dogwood)
Native to Europe and western Asia, this shrub is noted for its dark green leaves and bright red stems in winter. It produces creamy white flower clusters and blue-black berries, offering multi-season interest for woodland gardens.
9. Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry Dogwood)
A low-growing groundcover native to northern North America, bunchberry dogwood has small white flowers atop creeping stems. It thrives in shaded, cool environments and produces bright red berries that attract wildlife.
10. Cornus capitata (Bentham’s Cornelian Cherry)
Also known as Himalayan dogwood, this evergreen species has large, leathery leaves and white flowers in summer. It is valued for its dense foliage and ability to provide year-round screening in mild climates.
11. Cornus racemosa (Gray Dogwood)
Gray dogwood is a multi-stemmed shrub native to eastern North America. It has white flower clusters in late spring and distinctive grayish bark, with white berries that attract birds, making it a great choice for naturalized landscapes.
12. Cornus capitata (Evergreen Dogwood)
Not to be confused with Bentham’s Cornelian Cherry, this evergreen dogwood is hardy in warmer climates and features glossy leaves and creamy white flowers that attract pollinators. It’s often used as an ornamental hedge or specimen.
13. Cornus obliqua (Blue-fruited Dogwood)
Often considered a subspecies of Cornus amomum, this shrub is native to wetland areas in eastern North America. It produces white flowers and striking blue berries, and its bright red fall foliage adds to its ornamental appeal.
14. Cornus alternifolia (Pagoda Dogwood)
Named for its distinctive horizontal branching resembling pagoda roofs, this medium-sized tree has greenish-white flowers and blue fruit clusters. It thrives in partial shade and offers excellent fall color, making it a unique landscape specimen.
15. Cornus foemina (Swamp Dogwood)
Native to wet habitats in the southeastern U.S., swamp dogwood is a shrub or small tree that tolerates flooding. It produces creamy white flowers and white berries, often used in wetland restoration and naturalized plantings.
How to Choose
When selecting a dogwood, consider your climate zone and soil conditions, as species vary widely in hardiness and moisture tolerance. Think about the desired size and form—some dogwoods are large trees, others compact shrubs or groundcovers. Flower timing and color, fall foliage, and winter stem color can also influence your choice. Additionally, consider maintenance needs and whether you want wildlife benefits like bird-attracting berries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which dogwood is best for small gardens?
For small gardens, Cornus kousa or Cornus canadensis are excellent due to their manageable size and ornamental appeal.
Q: Do dogwoods require full sun?
Most dogwoods prefer partial shade but can tolerate full sun if soil moisture is adequate, especially Cornus florida and Cornus kousa.
Q: Are dogwood berries safe for pets?
Dogwood berries are generally non-toxic to dogs and cats, but ingestion in large amounts may cause mild digestive upset. Always monitor pets around plants.
Q: How do I prevent dogwood diseases?
Good air circulation, planting resistant varieties, and avoiding overhead watering help reduce diseases like powdery mildew and anthracnose common in dogwoods.
Q: When do dogwoods typically bloom?
Flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) usually bloom in early spring, while Kousa dogwoods bloom later in late spring to early summer.
Final Thoughts
Dogwoods offer versatile beauty for any garden or landscape, with diverse species suited to a range of environments and aesthetic preferences. Understanding their unique characteristics—from flower form to winter stem color—helps gardeners select the ideal dogwood to enhance their outdoor space year-round.
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