Giant dogwood is a large tree native to Asia, grown in U.S. gardens as an ornamental shade tree. Its branches spread in horizontal tiers, giving it the name wedding cake tree.
Appearance
Growth form
This tree commonly reaches 30–50 ft (9–15 m) and spreads broad, nearly horizontal branches in distinct layers.
Leaves
The simple leaves are alternate, dark green above, and silvery green beneath. Alternate leaves are unusual among dogwoods.
Flowers
Small creamy-white flowers form broad, flat clusters in late spring to early summer.
Both have alternate leaves and tiered branches, but pagoda dogwood is native to eastern North America and usually remains a smaller tree. A mature giant dogwood can reach about 30–50 ft (9–15 m) and has larger flower clusters.
Why they get mixed up · They are the two best-known dogwoods with alternate leaves and both can form a pagoda-like crown.
Kousa dogwood has four large, pointed white around each flower head. Giant dogwood lacks those showy bracts and instead carries many small flowers in broad flat clusters.
Why they get mixed up · Both are Asian dogwoods grown in American landscapes.
Where it lives
Typical habitats
cool-climate gardens
large lawns
arboretums
Range
It is native from the Himalayas across East Asia to Japan and Korea. In the United States it is a cultivated landscape tree rather than a native wild tree.
Preferred conditions
It grows best in sun to partial shade and moist, acidic, well-drained soil. It performs especially well where summers are cool and is generally recommended for 5–8.
Growing it
Care
Allow room for the wide crown. It can be propagated from seed, stem cuttings, or grafts.
Name and classification
Varieties and forms
'Variegata' is a garden form with creamy-white leaf margins.