It is found in dry deciduous forests and brushlands.Ĭornelian cherry dogwood is a slow-growing, deciduous, small tree or large shrub with a height of 15 to 25 feet and spread of 12 to 18 feet. The common name of this species refers to the cherry-like fruit that ripen over the summer to bright red and are sometimes eaten as preserves.Ĭornelian cherry dogwood is native to central and southern Europe and western Asia. Scorch symptoms are drying and browning of the leaf margins, or, in more serious cases, drying and browning of the interveinal area.Cornus is from the word cornu which means “horn” and refers to the hard wood. Leaf scorch occurs during hot, dry, windy weather. Powdery mildew covers the leaves with a fine white coating. Infected flower parts fall on the leaves spreading the infection.Ī large number of leaf spots attack dogwood. Avoid trunk wounds during and after planting.Ĭrown canker is associated with wet soils and can be controlled with appropriate fungicides.įlower and leaf blight caused by Botrytis cinerea attacks fading bracts, especially during wet weather. There is no chemical control for the disease. At first the symptoms appear only on the infected side of the tree but become more general as the canker enlarges. Leaves on infected branches are red earlier in the fall. However other dogwoods are susceptible to the diseases listed.Įarly symptoms of dogwood canker are smaller and paler leaves. Most of the diseases listed are seen most often on Cornus florida. Horticultural oil will help control overwintering stages.Īphids may be controlled by spraying them with a strong stream of water from the garden hose. Scales can build up to large numbers before being detected. The adult leaf miner skeletonizes the leaves. Leaf miners cause brown blister-like mines on the undersides of leaves. Prune out the galls as soon as they are seen. The leaves on affected branch tips may be distorted and the branch may fail to form a flower bud. Indications of borer problems are holes in the trunk, leaves smaller than normal, and dieback of the crown.ĭogwood club gall midge causes galls at the branch tips. Try to keep the trees healthy with regular fertilization. Cornus officinalis would be a better choice for the south if you can find it. One of the best for the southern United States is `Spring Glow' which has a low chilling requirement and beautiful flowers, handsome, leathery foliage which looks good until frost. Several cultivars are listed but may not be readily available: `Alba' - white fruit `Elegantissima' - leaves yellow, green and pink `Flava' - yellow fruits `Fructu Violaceo' - purple fruits `Macrocarpa' - larger fruits `Nana' - dwarf, three feet tall, `Variegata'-leaves with white variegations `Xanthocarpa' - yellow fruit. Makes an excellent patio tree in the yard and should be planted more. The fruit makes an excellent tart jelly - also attracts birds. Use it as a specimen or in a monoculture group planting or shrub border.
But not considered highly drought tolerant by any means. Mulching encourages better root growth and moderate drought tolerance. Soil should be kept moist with good drainage.
It is pest free and grows well on a variety of soil including clay. The once popular species has fallen out of the trade recently but deserves a comeback. Pest resistance: resistant to pests/diseases Verticillium wilt susceptibility: resistant Soil tolerances: sand loam clay acidic alkaline well-drained
Trunk and Branches Trunk/bark/branches: branches droop showy typically multi-trunked thornsĬulture Light requirement: full sun, partial sun or partial shade Fruit characteristics: attracts birds showy fruit/leaves a litter problem