28 Types of Dogwood Trees And Shrubs

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Dogwood trees, from the genus Cornus, are beloved ornamentals prized for their beautiful spring displays. Their showy bracts, often mistaken for petals, come in shades of white, pink, or red. These trees bloom in spring, drawing pollinators and adding charm to gardens. Depending on botanical interpretation, the dogwoods are variously divided into one to nine genera or subgenera.

Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and some species are evergreen. Several species have small heads of inconspicuous flowers surrounded by an involucre of large, typically white petal-like bracts, while others have more open clusters of petal-bearing flowers.

The various species of dogwood are native throughout much of temperate and boreal Eurasia and North America, with China, Japan, and the southeastern United States being particularly rich in native species. They typically prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil and partial shade, though some tolerate full sun. Their adaptability makes them suitable for diverse environments, from urban yards to woodland edges.

Beyond flowers, dogwoods offer multi-seasonal interest. In fall, their foliage transforms into striking shades of red, purple, or orange. Many produce berries that attract birds, enhancing ecological value in wildlife gardens.

Some dogwoods feature exfoliating bark, providing winter texture and visual appeal. This characteristic, combined with their compact to medium size, makes them ideal for small gardens or as understory trees in larger landscapes.

Dogwoods are relatively low-maintenance but benefit from regular watering and protection from extreme heat or drought. Certain varieties show strong resistance to diseases like anthracnose, ensuring longevity with proper care.

In landscaping, dogwoods serve as specimen trees, border accents, or shade providers. Trees are also suited for focal points or small shade trees; shrubs excel in hedges, borders, or erosion control, with many offering striking winter stem color.

Dogwood Trees

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

  • Description: Known for its showy white or pink bracts (petal-like structures) in spring, red berries in fall, and vibrant red-purple autumn foliage. The bark becomes scaly with age.
  • Native Area: Eastern United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas.
  • Size: 15–30 feet tall, 15–20 feet wide.

Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)

  • Description: Features creamy white to pinkish bracts blooming later than C. florida (late spring to early summer), edible red raspberry-like fruit, and exfoliating bark for winter interest. Highly resistant to anthracnose.
  • Native Area: East Asia (Japan, Korea, China).
  • Size: 15–25 feet tall, 15–20 feet wide.

Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii)

  • Description: Displays large white bracts, sometimes tinged pink, in spring, with a second bloom possible in fall. Yellow-orange fall foliage and red berries attract birds.
  • Native Area: Western North America, from British Columbia to California.
  • Size: 20–50 feet tall, 15–25 feet wide.

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas)

  • Description: Produces clusters of small yellow flowers in early spring before leaves emerge, followed by red cherry-like fruit used in jams or syrups. Attractive exfoliating bark.
  • Native Area: Europe and western Asia.
  • Size: 15–25 feet tall, 12–20 feet wide.

Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)

  • Description: Unique for its tiered, horizontal branching resembling a pagoda. Creamy white flowers in spring, blue-black fruit in summer, and reddish-purple fall foliage.
  • Native Area: Eastern North America, from Canada to the southeastern U.S.
  • Size: 15–25 feet tall, 20–30 feet wide.

Giant Dogwood (Cornus controversa)

  • Description: Large, layered branches create a dramatic tiered effect. Creamy white flower clusters in spring and black fruit in summer. Vibrant fall color.
  • Native Area: East Asia (China, Japan, Himalayas).
  • Size: 30–50 feet tall, 25–40 feet wide.

Chinese Dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis)

  • Description: A variety of Kousa dogwood with larger, showier white bracts and more vigorous growth. Red fruit and striking red fall foliage.
  • Native Area: China.
  • Size: 20–30 feet tall, 15–25 feet wide.

Hybrid Dogwood (Cornus × rutgersensis)

  • Description: A hybrid of C. florida and C. kousa (e.g., ‘Stellar’ series like ‘Stellar Pink’ or ‘Aurora’). Features large white or pink bracts, disease resistance, and vibrant fall color. Blooms later than C. florida.
  • Native Area: Cultivated, not native (developed in North America).
  • Size: 15–25 feet tall, 15–20 feet wide.

Wedding Cake Tree (Cornus ‘Eddie’s White Wonder’)

  • Description: A hybrid of C. florida and C. nuttallii with abundant white bracts in spring and red fall foliage. Compact growth makes it ideal for smaller gardens.
  • Native Area: Cultivated, not native (developed in North America).
  • Size: 15–20 feet tall, 10–15 feet wide.

Japanese Cornel Dogwood (Cornus officinalis)

  • Description: Similar to C. mas, it blooms early with clusters of yellow flowers before leaves emerge. Red fruit is used in traditional medicine, and bark is exfoliating.
  • Native Area: East Asia (Japan, Korea, China).
  • Size: 15–25 feet tall, 15–20 feet wide.

Cherokee Chief Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Chief’)

  • Description: A cultivar of C. florida with deep pink to ruby-red bracts in spring, red berries, and scarlet fall foliage. Popular for its bold color.
  • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American C. florida.
  • Size: 15–25 feet tall, 15–20 feet wide.

Cloud Nine Dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Cloud Nine’)

  • Description: A compact C. florida cultivar with profuse white bracts in spring, red berries, and red-purple fall foliage. More cold-hardy than the species.
  • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American C. florida.
  • Size: 12–18 feet tall, 10–15 feet wide.

Satomi Dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Satomi’)

  • Description: A Kousa cultivar with soft pink bracts in late spring, red fruit, and scarlet fall foliage. Exfoliating bark adds winter interest.
  • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from East Asian C. kousa.
  • Size: 15–20 feet tall, 15–20 feet wide.

Milky Way Dogwood (Cornus kousa ‘Milky Way’)

  • Description: A Kousa cultivar with abundant creamy white bracts, heavy fruit production, and bright red fall color. Vigorous and disease-resistant.
  • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from East Asian C. kousa.
  • Size: 15–25 feet tall, 15–20 feet wide.

    Dogwood Shrubs

    Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)

    • Description: Bright red stems provide stunning winter interest. White flowers in spring, white berries in summer, and reddish fall foliage. Tolerates wet soils.
    • Native Area: North America, from Alaska to the eastern U.S.
    • Size: 6–9 feet tall, 8–12 feet wide.

    Yellow Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’)

    • Description: A cultivar of C. sericea with vivid yellow stems in winter. White flowers and berries, with green foliage turning reddish in fall.
    • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American C. sericea.
    • Size: 5–8 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.

    Bloodtwig Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)

    • Description: Reddish-purple stems in winter, white flowers in spring, and black fruit in summer. Green leaves turn purple-red in fall.
    • Native Area: Europe.
    • Size: 6–10 feet tall, 5–8 feet wide.

    Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)

    • Description: Grayish bark and white flower clusters in spring, followed by white fruit that attracts birds. Reddish fall foliage and adaptable to various conditions.
    • Native Area: Eastern and central North America.
    • Size: 10–15 feet tall, 10–15 feet wide.

    Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)

    • Description: Purplish stems, creamy white flowers, and blue fruit that birds love. Reddish-purple fall foliage. Thrives in wet, swampy areas.
    • Native Area: Eastern United States.
    • Size: 6–12 feet tall, 6–10 feet wide.

    Tatarian Dogwood (Cornus alba)

    • Description: Bright red stems in winter, white flowers in spring, and bluish-white fruit. Green foliage turns red in fall. Popular for mass plantings.
    • Native Area: Siberia and northern China.
    • Size: 5–10 feet tall, 5–10 feet wide.

    Bunchberry (Cornus canadensis)

    • Description: A low-growing groundcover with white bracts resembling flowers in spring, red berries in summer, and red fall foliage. Ideal for shady woodland gardens.
    • Native Area: Northern North America, from Canada to the northern U.S.
    • Size: 4–8 inches tall, spreading 1–2 feet wide.

    Ivory Halo Dogwood (Cornus alba ‘Bailhalo’)

    • Description: A compact C. alba cultivar with variegated green and white leaves, red winter stems, and white flowers and fruit. Ideal for small spaces.
    • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from Siberian C. alba.
    • Size: 4–6 feet tall, 4–6 feet wide.

    Arctic Fire Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Farrow’)

    • Description: A compact C. sericea cultivar with vivid red stems in winter, white flowers, and white berries. Cold-hardy and low-maintenance.
    • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American C. sericea.
    • Size: 3–5 feet tall, 3–5 feet wide.

    Kelsey’s Dwarf Dogwood (Cornus sericea ‘Kelseyi’)

    • Description: A low-growing C. sericea cultivar with red stems, white flowers, and green foliage turning reddish in fall. Perfect for borders or small gardens.
    • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from North American C. sericea.
    • Size: 2–3 feet tall, 2–3 feet wide.

    Midwinter Fire Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea ‘Midwinter Fire’)

    • Description: A C. sanguinea cultivar with striking orange-red to yellow stems in winter, white flowers, and red fall foliage. Adds bold winter color.
    • Native Area: Cultivated, derived from European C. sanguinea.
    • Size: 5–6 feet tall, 5–6 feet wide.

    Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii)

    • Description: Features white flower clusters, white fruit, and rough-textured leaves. Reddish fall foliage and adaptable to poor soils, good for erosion control.
    • Native Area: Central North America (U.S. Midwest to Texas).
    • Size: 6–15 feet tall, 6–15 feet wide.

    Creeping Dogwood (Cornus suecica)

    • Description: A low-growing groundcover with white bracts in spring, red berries in summer, and reddish fall foliage. Similar to C. canadensis but more compact.
    • Native Area: Northern Europe, Asia, and parts of North America.
    • Size: 4–6 inches tall, spreading 1–2 feet wide.

    Variegated Stellar Pink Dogwood (Cornus × ‘Rutgan’)

    • Description: A hybrid shrub-tree with pink bracts, variegated green and cream leaves, and red fall foliage. Blends tree and shrub qualities for mixed borders.
    • Native Area: Cultivated, not native (developed in North America).
    • Size: 10–15 feet tall, 10–15 feet wide.

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