Habitat: Hardy from zone 3 to 7, this species does best in cooler climates, preferring moist, acid, well-drained soils and a partially shaded position. It is found in moist, upland woods, at forest edges and at the bottom of steep slopes.

Diseases: Because of the thin bark, it is susceptible to fire damage. This dogwood is not prone to serious diseases, but is occasionally attacked by the dogwood borer, leaf spot, twig blight and canker.

Distribution: The alternate-leafed dogwood is native from New Brunswick to Minnesota and south to Georgia and Alabama. It is the largest of the native Iowa dogwoods, native as far west as the Des Moines River.