Tartarian Dogwood (Cornus alba): Growing, Propagating, Varieties, Uses, Food Options & Harvest Guide

Tartarian Dogwood (Cornus alba) — also known as Red-Barked Dogwood, Siberian Dogwood, and White Dogwood — is a hardy deciduous shrub cherished for its striking winter stems, colorful foliage, and ecological benefits. Native to Siberia, northern China, and Korea, this plant has transitioned from wild landscapes into garden ecosystems around the world thanks to its ornamental beauty and low-maintenance nature.

Below is a comprehensive guide on how to successfully grow, propagate, select varieties, utilize its berries and stems, and harvest what it offers.

Botanical Overview

Scientific Name: Cornus alba
Common Names: Tartarian Dogwood, Siberian Dogwood, White Dogwood
Family: Cornaceae
Plant Type: Deciduous shrub
Zones: USDA 3–7
Mature Height: 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m)
Spread: 6–10 ft (1.8–3 m)
Seasonal Interest: Winter stems, variegated foliage, white berries

Growing Tartarian Dogwood

Climate & Hardiness

Tartarian Dogwood thrives in cool to temperate climates. It tolerates harsh winters and fluctuating temperatures, making it ideal for northern gardeners.

Key Hardiness Traits:

Survives subzero winters
Tolerates wet soils
Wind resistant
Performs well in full sun to partial shade

Soil Requirements

While adaptable, Cornus alba prefers:

Moist, well-drained soils
Slightly acidic to neutral pH
Organic-rich substrate

It tolerates clay and periodically flooded sites, making it suitable for rain gardens and erosion control.

Planting & Spacing

Plant in early spring or fall for best establishment.
Space plants 6–10 ft apart to accommodate full spread.
Mulch around the root zone to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Watering & Feeding

Watering

Maintain consistent moisture during establishment (first 1–2 years).
Mature shrubs tolerate periodic drought but prefer moist conditions.

Fertilization

A yearly application of compost or organic fertilizer in spring promotes strong stem color and foliage.

Pruning for Color & Form

The vivid red stems are most intense on young growth, so rejuvenation pruning improves winter display:

Technique: Remove 1/3–1/2 of the oldest stems to ground level
Timing: Late winter to early spring
Goal: Encourage vigorous red shoots

For severely overgrown shrubs, complete coppicing (cutting back to 6–12 inches) every 2–3 years revitalizes structure.

Propagation Methods

Tartarian Dogwood is easy to propagate, making it popular among native plant enthusiasts and landscapers.

1. Hardwood Cuttings

When: Late fall to winter
Method: Cut 8–10 inch dormant stems; plant in sand/peat mix
Rooting Success: High under cool, moist conditions

2. Softwood Cuttings

When: Early summer
Method: Root in humid, partially shaded environment

3. Division

Mature clumps can be split in early spring.

4. Seed

Seeds require cold stratification, making this the slowest method.

Popular Varieties & Cultivars

Over years, breeders have developed many ornamental selections prized for stem color and foliage patterns.

Variegated Varieties

‘Elegantissima’ – Silver and green leaves, red stems
‘Sibirica Variegata’ – Creamy variegation, upright growth

Colored Stem Varieties

‘Sibirica’ – Bright red stems, classic winter interest
‘Westonbirt’ – Deep crimson winter color

Compact Forms

‘Ivory Halo’ – Dwarf form suitable for small gardens

Uses of Tartarian Dogwood

1. Ornamental Landscape

Winter garden color
Contrast for conifers and evergreens
Foundation and border plantings
Naturalized hedgerows

2. Ecological Benefits

Provides shelter for birds
Berries support wildlife food chains
Excellent for erosion control and soil stabilization

3. Hedging & Windbreaks

Dense branching structure makes Cornus alba suitable for privacy screening and farm windbreaks.

Food & Edible Uses

Though not widely consumed by humans, Tartarian Dogwood berries have historic and experimental culinary uses.

Edibility

Fruits are not toxic but are astringent and mealy
Flavor improves after frost
Primarily used for wildlife rather than human diets

Culinary Concepts & Options

Some traditional and modern uses include:

Jellies (with added sugar/pectin)
Fermented beverages or flavored vinegar infusions
Tart syrups for desserts or cocktails
Wild-food experimentation alongside aronia or chokeberry

Nutritional Notes

Berries contain:

Antioxidants
Organic acids
Modest vitamin C amounts

Safety

Always identify species accurately before consumption; berries of some dogwood species vary in taste and suitability.

Harvesting Tartarian Dogwood

Berry Harvest

When: Late summer to early fall
Indicators: Whitish berries turn slightly bluish and soften
Method: Hand-pick clusters or shake onto cloth

Stem Harvest

For decorative craft or floristry:

Cut bright red stems in winter
Use in wreaths, bouquets, or seasonal arrangements

Pruning Harvest

Cuttings taken during pruning sessions can double as propagation material.

Pests & Diseases

Common issues are usually cosmetic rather than fatal:

Leaf spot
Dogwood borers
Scale insects
Powdery mildew

Healthy spacing and air circulation reduce disease pressure.

Companion Planting

Tartarian Dogwood pairs beautifully with:

Evergreens: Spruce, juniper, cedar
Grasses: Miscanthus, panicum
Winter bloomers: Witch hazel, hellebore
Spring bulbs: Crocus, daffodil, tulip

These combinations extend seasonal interest and pollinator value.

Sustainability & Ecological Value

Because it:

Tolerates poor soils,
Supports wildlife,
Prevents erosion,
And thrives without chemicals,

Tartarian Dogwood is a strong candidate for eco-friendly gardening and restoration projects.

Final Thoughts

Tartarian Dogwood (Cornus alba) offers rare year-round beauty — from spring foliage to summer berries to fiery winter stems. Its adaptability, ease of propagation, and ecological benefits make it valuable for home gardeners, landscape designers, and wildlife stewards alike. Whether used in hedgerows, rain gardens, ornamental displays, or experimental kitchens, this versatile shrub continues to prove its usefulness across seasons.

More information

Common Name	Tartarian Dogwood
Family	Cornaceae
USDA hardiness	3-7
Known Hazards	None known
Habitats	Mixed broad-leaved and coniferous forests, mixed thickets by streams at elevations of 600 – 1700, occasionally to 2700 metres in China.
Range	E. Asia – Siberia to northern China and Korea.
Edibility Rating	(0 of 5)
Other Uses	(1 of 5)
Weed Potential	No
Medicinal Rating	(0 of 5)
Care (info)

How to grow Tartarian Dogwood (Cornus alba)