Cornus occidentalis

• Western Dogwood

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed^[6][7]. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors^[6][8]. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year^[8]. Scarification may also help as may a period of warm stratification before the cold stratification^[6][8]. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more^[8]. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts.

Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage^[9].

Layering of new growth in June/July. Takes 9 months^[9].

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility^[10], ranging from acid to shallow chalk^[11]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in poorly drained soils^[11]. Succeeds in full sun or light shade[^[12].

Allied to C. stolonifera and considered to be part of that species by some botanists^[13][14][11].

Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus^[11].