Wedding Cake Tree
cornus controversa
Also known as: ["Tabletop Dogwood"]
Overview
A deciduous tree with distinctive tiered branching pattern, resembling a wedding cake, and small white flowers in spring followed by blue-black berries.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Genus: | Cornus |
| Botanical Name: | Cornus controversa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: garden bed or lawn with partial shade
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor and dry
- Drainage: Well-draining but moisture-retentive.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with good organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually after flowering; remove deadwood as needed throughout the year.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary for shaping or health.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily). Tolerates more shade but may produce fewer flowers.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch. Place in a spot with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hot climates.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Monitor for leaf burn in intense sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes; provide dappled shade in midday summer sun.
Watering
every 7–10 days during growing season, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; ensure soil dries slightly between waterings; avoid waterlogging.
Soil
moist, well-drained, loamy soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot; amend heavy clay soil with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 4–8. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C).
Protect from late spring frosts; water deeply before cold snaps; avoid placing near heat sources in winter.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Fertilize sparingly to avoid excessive foliage growth; use a balanced NPK ratio; water thoroughly after fertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings taken in late spring or early summer; layering can also be effective.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended to improve success rates.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establishment in the garden can take one growing season.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, well-draining medium, plastic wrap (for humidity).
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sunlight during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Use clean cuts just above a bud or lateral branch; remove thin, weak, or crossing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage flowering. Light pruning after flowering is ideal.
Tools
Hand pruners, loppers, pruning saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased wood; shape as needed.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure the new pot has drainage holes.
Method
Remove the plant gently; trim any circling roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot only if the plant becomes root-bound or outgrows its container. Generally, repotting every 3–4 years is sufficient.
Checklist
Choose the right pot size; use fresh soil mix; trim roots if necessary; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; ensure proper drainage; adjust frequency by season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone. Apply until water drains from the bottom, then allow the soil to dry before the next watering.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch or wilting in excessive heat; delayed bud break or leaf drop in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may curl or drop, and buds may fail to open if exposed to extreme cold without acclimation.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in winter; protect from harsh winds; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop during prolonged heat waves, especially if soil is dry.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; water deeply and mulch to retain soil moisture; increase humidity if grown indoors.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Apply in early spring; use balanced fertilizer; avoid late-season feeding; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply again mid-season if growth is weak. Avoid fertilizing in late fall to prevent new growth vulnerable to frost.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Cornus controversa may cause mild gastrointestinal issues in cats upon ingestion. The toxic effects are generally limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Cornus controversa can cause mild gastrointestinal upset in dogs if ingested. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive tract.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe berries of Cornus controversa contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How tall does Cornus controversa grow?
A: It typically reaches 15–25 feet in height with a similar spread.
Q: Does it require full sun?
A: It prefers partial shade to full sun, though it tolerates some shade.
Q: Are the berries edible?
A: The berries are not typically consumed by humans due to mild toxicity, though birds eat them.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during growi |
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