Giant Dogwood
full leafCornus controversa
Cornaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
Last updated
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Height
30–45 ft
Spread
35-40 ft
Growth Rate
Fast
Site Requirements
Light
Part Shade
Soil Drainage
Well Drained To Moist
Soil pH
acidic
Water
Moderate
Drought Tolerance
Moderate
Hardiness
Zones 4–4
Ornamental Interest
Bloom Time
May to June
Fall Color
Purple
Origin
Japan and China
Field Observations
Watch for this season
Powdery MildewHigh
Active Conidial Spread
Oystershell scaleHigh
Crawler Emergence
Anthracnose (Shade Trees)Moderate
Active Infection & Secondary Spread
Armillaria Root RotModerate
Active Below-ground Growth
+ 2 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Diseases: Regionally Documented (7)
Discula destructiva (dogwood), Kabatiella and Discula spp... Anthracnose Multiple obligate biotrophic fungi (Erysiphales: Erysipha... Powdery Mildew Collar Rot Armillaria spp. — primarily A Armillaria Root Rot Symptom category — not a single disease Branch Canker Symptom category — not a single disease Leaf Spot Symptom category — not a single disease Root Rot
Pests: Regionally Documented (6)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Giant Dogwood has passed full leaf (2398 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | full leaf | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | full leaf | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | full leaf | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | full leaf | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | full leaf | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | full leaf | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | full leaf | — | — |
View full calendar (1 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ● full leaf BBCH 19 NOW | 2398 Observed | — |
Source: Field observation, Seattle, WA (Kubota Garden). Cultivar: 'Variegata'. About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.
Cultivars (2)
'June Snow' June Snow™
Common name: June Snow Giant DogwoodJune Snow™ Dogwood; Mature height: 30 ft
Hardy to USDA Zone 5
'Variegata'
White-margined leaves; wedding cake tree
Data Maturity Structured Multiple sources. Expert review underway.