noun
dogwood; Cornus controversa
Refers specifically to the giant dogwood or wedding cake tree, a deciduous tree native to East Asia.
公園に大きな水木が植えてある。
A large dogwood tree is planted in the park.
水木は春に白い花を咲かせる。
The dogwood blooms with white flowers in spring.
花水木 (flowering dogwood, Cornus florida) is a different species with showy bracts, often used ornamentally, while 水木 is the giant dogwood.
The name 水木 (みずき) likely derives from the tree's preference for moist environments, with 水 meaning 'water' and 木 meaning 'tree'. The exact historical origin is uncertain.