Giant Dogwood
Cornus controversafam. Cornaceae
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Pl. BAED — Cornus controversa
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IOverview
Overview
Giant Dogwood (Cornus controversa) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree native to regions including Sakhalin, China, and Japan. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and prefers well-drained soils of various types, from sandy to clay. Hardy in zones 5-8, Giant Dogwood is a striking addition to gardens or natural landscapes due to its distinctive large white flowers and attractive fruit clusters that are edible when ripe.
Quick answers
What is Giant Dogwood?
Giant Dogwood (Cornus controversa) is a large deciduous shrub or small tree native to regions including Sakhalin, China, and Japan. Known for its ornamental value and edible fruit, this plant thrives in moist conditions with light to partial shade.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Giant Dogwood thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 5-8 and grows up to 15 meters tall. For propagation, use seeds or hardwood cuttings. The fruit of this plant is edible.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
5-8
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Giant Dogwood for the first time
7steps
Start with planting Giant Dogwood in a beginner-friendly environment.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Giant Dogwood sapling, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late autumn when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.0 and 7.0, and prepare a hole twice as wide as the root ball.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully to avoid damaging roots; water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, and monitor for signs of stress such as wilting.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly during dry spells, mulch to retain moisture, and prune lightly in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree annually to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:oil
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
15 native · 14 introduced
Distribution
15 native · 14 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 15 native· 14 introduced
Asia14 regions
native (7)ChinaJapanMyanmarNepalSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
introduced (7)ChinaJapanMyanmarNepalSouth KoreaTaiwanVietnam
Broader regions
native:Sakhalin, East Himalaya, Hainan, Kuril Is.
introduced:East Himalaya, Hainan, Kuril Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Cornaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Cornaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
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