Overview
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. It is a member of the dogwood family, Cornaceae, and is commonly known as western dogwood or red osier dogwood.
Appearance
The western dogwood typically grows to a height of 6 to 9 feet and a width of 8 to 12 feet. It has a multi-stemmed, spreading habit, with bright red to purple bark that peels away in thin strips. The leaves are oval-shaped, dark green, and turn a reddish-purple color in the fall. In the spring, it produces clusters of small white flowers, followed by small white berries that ripen to a bluish-black color in the fall.
Uses
Western dogwood is commonly used in landscaping as a hedge or specimen plant. It is also planted for erosion control, wildlife habitat, and streambank stabilization. The berries and twigs of the shrub are sometimes used in traditional medicine to treat fevers, skin rashes, and other ailments. The bark can be used to make baskets, mats, and other woven items.
Additionally, western dogwood is known for its ability to attract birds and pollinators to gardens and natural areas. It is a host plant for several species of moths and butterflies, including the spring azure and mourning cloak butterflies.
Growth Conditions for Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc.
Light
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In shaded areas, the plant may have reduced foliage and flowering, while excessive exposure to sunlight may cause leaf scorching.Temperature
This plant prefers cool temperatures and can survive in USDA hardiness zones 2 to 7. It can withstand winter temperatures as low as -45°C (-49°F). However, the plant may experience heat stress in hot and dry summers.Soil Requirements
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. is a versatile plant that can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions. It prefers well-drained soils, but it can grow in wet and poorly drained soils, such as boggy or marshy areas. The optimal soil pH range for this species is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0). However, it can tolerate slightly alkaline soils (up to pH 8.0) and slightly acidic soils (down to pH 4.5).Water
This plant has moderate water requirements and can tolerate occasional drought once it is established. However, it thrives in moist to wet soils, and regular watering can enhance its growth and appearance.Nutrients
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. does not have specific nutrient requirements. However, like most plants, it requires essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for healthy growth. Fertilization once a year can improve its overall appearance and vigor.Cultivation
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. is a deciduous shrub that typically grows up to 10ft in height and 10ft in width. It is best to plant it in early spring or fall. This plant thrives in a wide range of soils, including poorly drained soils. However, it prefers moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soils. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.
Watering Needs
When young, Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. plants require regular watering until they become established. Afterward, they are relatively drought-tolerant, and watering must only be done during extended dry spells. Deep watering once a week during the growing season should suffice.
Fertilization
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. does not need a lot of fertilization. Too much fertilizer can lead to lush growth that is susceptible to winter damage. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer, applied in early spring or late fall, should be sufficient.
Pruning
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. can tolerate heavy pruning and should be pruned in late winter or early spring before the new growth begins. This pruning should consist of removing the oldest, most substantial, and unproductive branches to make way for new growth. Pruning can also be done to maintain the shape and size of the plant.
Propagation Methods for Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis, commonly known as Western Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that is native to North America. Propagation of this plant can be done through several methods including seeds, stem cuttings, and layering.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Cornus stolonifera should be collected from ripe fruits, soaked in water for 24 hours and then stratified in moist soil or sand for three months at 32-41°F. After stratification, seeds can be sown in the spring when the temperature is above 60°F.
It is important to note that seeds collected from native populations or from similar climatic conditions have to be used in order to obtain plants with similar characteristics.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation of Cornus stolonifera can also be done through stem cuttings taken from mature, healthy plants during the dormant period. Cuttings should have a length of 4-6 inches and should be taken from the base of the plant.
Remove any leaves on the lower part of the cutting. Dip the cutting into a rooting hormone and plant it in a rooting medium such as perlite, vermiculite, or sand and keep it moist. Place the planted cuttings in a warm, sheltered spot out of direct sunlight.
Root formation takes about two months, and the young plants should be transplanted to a well-prepared permanent site in late spring.
Propagation by Layering
Propagation of Cornus stolonifera can also be done through layering in early spring. In this method, a low branch of the mother plant is bent down to the ground, and a shallow cut is made on the underside of the branch.
The cut portion is then dusted with a rooting hormone and buried in the soil. The branch should be kept in place by pinning it to the ground with a U-shaped pin or covered with soil.
After a few weeks, new roots shoot from the wounded part of the branch, and it can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted to its permanent site.
Disease Management
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. can be affected by a number of different diseases, including:
- Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation and reduced vigor. To manage leaf spot, it is important to avoid overhead irrigation, remove infected leaves and debris, and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery growth on the leaves of the plant, leading to reduced photosynthesis and growth. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to provide adequate air circulation, avoid overhead irrigation, and apply a fungicide as directed.
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause brown or black areas on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant, leading to reduced vigor and plant death in severe cases. To manage anthracnose, it is important to prune infected branches, remove infected debris, and apply a fungicide as directed.
Pest Management
Cornus stolonifera Michx. var. occidentalis (Torr. & Gray) C.L. Hitchc. can also be affected by a number of different pests, including:
- Aphids: These small insects can weaken the plant by sucking sap from the leaves and stems, leading to distorted growth and reduced vigor. To manage aphids, it is important to spray the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and to attract natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
- Spider mites: These tiny insects can cause yellow or brown spots on the leaves, and can spin fine webs between leaves. To manage spider mites, it is important to avoid over-fertilizing the plant, spray it with water to increase humidity, and apply a miticide as directed.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can cause defoliation and reduced vigor by eating the leaves of the plant. To manage caterpillars, it is important to hand-pick and destroy them, or apply a biological control like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
