Western Dogwood

You spot Torrey Dogwood along cool, intermittently moist canyons and draws in the interior and coastal Pacific Northwest, marked by its pale greenish twigs and small white flowers followed by white berries. This native shrub prefers shaded, cooler locations within dry landscape regions.

Torrey Dogwood reaches 8-12 feet tall in part shade with moderate water needs, preferring cool, moist (but not waterlogged) soils and partial shade protection (zones 6a-8b). Slower-growing than aggressive red-twig species, it suits riparian and woodland settings where summer cooling influences site conditions. Watch for the same suite of dogwood diseases and insect pests; disease pressure increases in humid summers. Prune minimally; shape occurs naturally.