Dogwoods are mostly easy to cultivate, growing well in a variety of soils and positions, usually found in moist, fertile soils at forest edges, along fencerows and as understory plants. Dogwoods are susceptible to several fungus diseases and pests, including crown canker or collar rot, anthracnose, powdery mildew and borers. The shrub species are usually less troubled by pests and diseases than the tree species.
Most dogwoods are native to North America, Europe and Asia.
They are often grown in Iowa as ornamentals and 6 species are native to the state.