Giant Dogwood
Cornus controversa
Giant Dogwood (Cornus controversa) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–50 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun.
medium water30–50 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) ISAKA Yoji ( cory ) [ Recent works / Other works ], some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
- Photo 2: (c) WATANABE Hitoshi 渡辺仁, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 3: (c) WATANABE Hitoshi 渡辺仁, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by WATANABE Hitoshi 渡辺仁
- Photo 4: (c) Marco Mussita, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Marco Mussita
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4–8
- Water needs
- medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- moderate
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Tolerates
- Dry shade under conifers
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 30–50 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
- Mature form
- Spreading
- Spacing / clearance
- ~50 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Medium
What it looks like, and when
- Bloom time
- early spring, mid spring
- Bloom color
- white
- Fall color
- Red, purple
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- high
- Deer
- Not deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Watch: ExposureIt wants shelter; open, windy, reflected-heat sites batter it, so tuck it against a building or a windbreak.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Giant Dogwood good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Giant Dogwood is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Giant Dogwood get?
- It matures to about 30–50 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
- How much room does Giant Dogwood need?
- Give Giant Dogwood about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Giant Dogwood grow into?
- Giant Dogwood typically grows into a wide, spreading habit, broader than it is tall, give it room and keep it back from buildings. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Giant Dogwood hardy on the Front Range?
- Giant Dogwood is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Giant Dogwood need?
- It needs medium water once established.
- How fast does Giant Dogwood grow?
- Giant Dogwood is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Giant Dogwood live?
- Giant Dogwood has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Giant Dogwood turn in fall?
- Giant Dogwood turns red and purple in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Giant Dogwood native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Giant Dogwood deer-resistant?
- No. Giant Dogwood is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.
