Cornus sericea subsp. occidentalis, commonly known as Western Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to riparian zones, wetland edges, and moist forest clearings in the Pacific Northwest, including the Western USA and British Columbia. It typically grows to a height of 10-16 feet (3-4.9 meters) and a similar width. The Western Dogwood has multiple stems with a rounded form, and it produces clusters of showy white flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by white to blueish fruit that attracts birds.

This shrub is valued for its ornamental features, including its attractive flowers and the red stems that provide winter interest. It is commonly used for naturalistic plantings, as a border shrub, or for erosion control in moist areas. Western Dogwood thrives in partial shade to full sun, prefers moist, well-drained soils, and is relatively easy to maintain. It is tolerant of wet conditions and can be used in rain gardens. Gardeners should be aware of potential problems such as dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew, which can affect the plant’s health.CC BY-SA 4.0