Cornus Walteri

Description

Cornus Walteri, commonly known as Walter’s Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Cornaceae family. The plant is named after Thomas Walter, a botanist who discovered it in the late 1700s in South Carolina. Cornus Walteri is native to the southeastern United States and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Cornus Walteri can grow up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It has a rounded shape and a dense, bushy habit. The leaves are dark green and oval-shaped, and they turn reddish-purple in the fall. The plant produces small, white flowers in the spring, followed by blue-black berries in the summer. The bark of Cornus Walteri is smooth and gray, with distinctive white spots that give it a mottled appearance.

Care Guide

Cornus Walteri is a low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for. Here are some tips on how to keep it healthy:

• Water: Cornus Walteri prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water it regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
• Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring before new growth appears.
• Soil: Cornus Walteri grows best in acidic soil with a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers partial shade to full sun. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can affect its growth and flowering.
• Hardiness Zones: Cornus Walteri is hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Cornus Walteri is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, and canker. These issues can be prevented by providing proper care and maintaining good plant hygiene.

Habitat

Cornus Walteri is native to the southeastern United States, where it grows in moist woodlands and along streams and riverbanks. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and can grow in both sun and shade.

Question and Answer

Q: Can Cornus Walteri be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cornus Walteri can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.

Q: How often should I prune Cornus Walteri?
A: Cornus Walteri should be pruned in late winter or early spring before new growth appears. Remove any dead or damaged branches and shape the plant as desired.

Q: Is Cornus Walteri deer-resistant?
A: Cornus Walteri is somewhat deer-resistant, but it may still be eaten by deer if other food sources are scarce.

Q: Can Cornus Walteri be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, Cornus Walteri can be propagated by softwood or hardwood cuttings taken in the summer or fall.

Related Plants

• Cornus alba
• Cornus florida
• Cornus kousa
• Cornus mas
• Cornus sericea

References

• “Cornus Walteri.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a461
• “Cornus Walteri.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fp156
• “Walter’s Dogwood.” North Carolina Cooperative Extension, content.ces.ncsu.edu/walters-dogwood