Cornus controversa - Wedding Cake Tree (Green Foliage) A medium-sized, deciduous tree from China, Cornus controversa gets its name of wedding cake tree from its unusual tiered branches, which make it a stunning specimen in a lawn in the larger garden. Elliptical, glossy, green leaves turn red and purple in autumn. In early summer, flat corymbs of tiny, white, starry flowers appear along the branches, followed by green berries which turn blue-black in autumn. Young trees don’t have the tiered branches; the tree assumes the tiered form as it matures. Can also be grown as a multi-stemmed shrub. Site: Tolerates exposureSoils: Well-drained neutral to acid soilPosition: Best in full sunSeason of interest: All yearHardiness: HardyHeight: up to 50’ (15m) Spread to 40’ (12m)