Swamp dogwood is found only in low moist woodlands and swamps throughout the Southeastern U.S. and west to Missouri. It grows to 15 feet high, with stiff, upright branches, reddish-purplish stems, dark green leaves that are 1 to 4 inches long, creamy white flowers in cymes up to 3 inches across, and blue globose fruits that mature in the fall. It can be distinguished from C. racemosa, gray dogwood, by its blue fruit and the white pith of its stems, vs. the pale brown pith of C. racemosa’s. Since the shrubs that will tolerate or thrive in moist and wet soils are limited, Swamp Dogwood is a valuable choice for naturalizing or planting in shrub borders in moist or soggy sites.

Scientific name: Cornus foemina

Plant Habit or Use: large shrub or small tree

Exposure: sun or partial sun

Flower Color: white

Blooming Period: spring

Fruit Characteristics: blue drupe, 1/4 inch diameter

Height: to 15 feet

Width: to 15 feet

Plant Character: deciduous

Heat Tolerance: medium

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 6

Planted in Nassau County Extension Demonstration Garden