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Giant: June Snow Dogwood

Cornus controversa

Compiled by · Reviewed against the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List, CSU Extension & Plant Select® · Updated 2026-07-03

Giant: June Snow Dogwood (Cornus controversa) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 30–50 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide, needs medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade to dappled sun.

Site fitRight spot only
medium water30–50 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide

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At a glance

Rating
Right spot only (FRTRL: Conditionally Recommended)
Botanical name
Cornus controversa
Variety / cultivar
Giant: June Snow
Type
Tree
Mature size
30–50 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide
Mature form
Spreading
Spacing / clearance
~50 ft of clearance
Hardiness zones
USDA 4–8
Growth rate
Moderate
Lifespan
Medium
Fall color
Red, purple
Water needs
medium water
Sun
Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade, dappled sun. Flowers best with more sun.
Colorado native
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Soil
clay, loam, sandy
Soil pH
6.0–8.2
Hail tolerance
moderate
Wind tolerance
moderate
Salt tolerance
moderate
Bloom color
white
Bloom time
early spring, mid spring
Pollinator value
high
Tolerates
Dry shade under conifers

Site factors to consider

Wildlife & ecology

Pollinator value
high
Deer
Not deer-resistant

Frequently asked questions

Is Giant: June Snow Dogwood good for the Colorado Front Range?
Yes, Giant: June Snow Dogwood is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Conditionally Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
How big does Giant: June Snow Dogwood get?
It matures to about 30–50 ft tall and 30–50 ft wide.
How much room does Giant: June Snow Dogwood need?
Give Giant: June Snow Dogwood about 50 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
What shape does Giant: June Snow Dogwood grow into?
Giant: June Snow Dogwood typically grows into a wide, spreading habit, broader than it is tall, give it room and keep it back from buildings. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
Is Giant: June Snow Dogwood hardy on the Front Range?
Giant: June Snow Dogwood is hardy in USDA 4–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
How much water does Giant: June Snow Dogwood need?
It needs medium water once established.
How fast does Giant: June Snow Dogwood grow?
Giant: June Snow Dogwood is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
How long does Giant: June Snow Dogwood live?
Giant: June Snow Dogwood has a moderate lifespan for a Front Range tree. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
What color does Giant: June Snow Dogwood turn in fall?
Giant: June Snow Dogwood turns red and purple in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
Is Giant: June Snow Dogwood native to Colorado?
No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
Is Giant: June Snow Dogwood deer-resistant?
No. Giant: June Snow Dogwood is not considered deer-resistant and may need protection where deer browse.

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See also

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