Cornus glabrata, commonly known as Brown Dogwood or Smooth Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to the riparian zones, wetlands, and moist forest clearings of California and Oregon. It typically grows to a height of 6-15 feet (1.8-4.5 meters) and spreads to a similar width, forming a dense thicket. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, bright green in summer, turning a striking red in the fall. From late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers that are quite showy, followed by bluish-white berries that attract birds.

Brown Dogwood is valued for its wildlife-friendly attributes, its ability to thrive in wet conditions, and its vibrant fall foliage. It is used in naturalistic plantings, as a component of riparian restoration projects, and occasionally as an ornamental in residential gardens. It prefers moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of conditions including clay. While it can grow in full sun to full shade, dappled sunlight is ideal. This species is relatively low-maintenance but can be susceptible to dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew. It is not known for aggressive roots or significant disease problems, making it a reliable choice for many garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0