Cornus walteri - Ornamental Fruit - Walter's Dogwood Page

Cornus walteri, commonly known as Walter Dogwood or Korean Dogwood, is a versatile and attractive addition to any landscape. Standing at a height and width of 30 to 40 feet, this medium-sized deciduous tree boasts a graceful vase-shaped crown and an appealing symmetrical canopy, making it an excellent choice as a shade tree near patios or residential streets. Noteworthy for its distinct alligator-like bark on mature trees, Walter Dogwood offers year-round visual appeal. In the spring, it bursts into life with showy and fragrant white flowers arranged in two to three-inch diameter cymes, creating a spectacular display. As the flowers fade, small black fruits emerge, providing a feast for birds and wildlife.

Its foliage, an elegant dark green in summer, transitions to a vibrant red in the fall, offering a dynamic seasonal display. Highly adaptable, Cornus walteri thrives in USDA hardiness zones 5 through 8A, handling a variety of soil types, from clay to sand. Its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance requirements make it an appealing choice for gardeners and landscape architects. Although not currently widespread in the industry, Cornus walteri is certainly deserving of consideration for its ecological benefits and aesthetic charm.