Habitat: Common (or formerly common) understory tree in a wide variety of mesic to dry upland forests; also in borders, clearings, old fields, and well-drained floodplains. Common throughout Virginia. Absent from higher elevations in the mountains.
Wildlife Value: It is a host plant for the spring Azure (Celastrina ladon) butterfly/larvae. Butterflies feed on nectar. Its fruits are eaten by songbirds, ruffed grouse, quail, wild turkey, chipmunks, black bear, foxes, white-tailed deer, skunks, and squirrels. Members of the genus Cornus support specialized bees
Notes: Frequent Disease Problems
High Value Generalist
Earth Sangha lists this plant as a "High Value Generalist" because it is easy to grow, occurs across a wide range of habitats and is known to be of high value to wildlife
My Native Garden
Put together a printable/downloadable list of plants that you have in your garden.