Blüten-Hartriegel
Like the related "Cornus florida", it is very susceptible to dogwood anthracnose, a disease caused by the fungus "Discula destructiva". Fungal activity is greatest from May to July, although it can be active any time conditions are moist and the plant is growing. Infected leaves become blotched and drop, and defoliation can be extreme. Twigs and leaf buds are also impacted. This has killed many of the larger plants in the wild and has also restricted its use as an ornamental tree, to the point where it is considered threatening to the species in its native range.