Dogwood

Dogwood most often refers to flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), a small deciduous understory tree native to eastern North America and one of the most popular ornamental trees in the United States.

Its famous spring "flowers" are actually four large white or pink bracts (modified leaves) surrounding a small cluster of true tiny flowers in the center. The display is followed by glossy red berries, attractive layered branching, and burgundy-red fall color.

Dogwood thrives as an understory tree and is a state tree or flower in several US states, prized for its year-round beauty.

• "Flowers": Four broad, notched white or pink bracts, 2–4 in across, surrounding a central cluster of small greenish-yellow true flowers in spring.
• Leaves: Opposite, oval, 3–6 in long, with smooth wavy edges and distinctive curving (arcuate) veins; turn red to purple in fall.
• Fruit: Clusters of glossy red berries (drupes) ripening in late summer to fall.
• Bark: Gray-brown, broken into small blocky plates resembling alligator skin.
• Habit: Small tree, 15–30 ft tall, with a horizontal, layered branching pattern.

Flowering dogwood does best in partial shade (as a natural understory tree) but tolerates full sun with adequate moisture.

• Water: Keep soil evenly moist; dogwoods have shallow roots and are sensitive to drought.
• Soil: Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil amended with organic matter; mulch to keep roots cool.
• Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 5–9.
• Feeding: Light spring feeding; avoid over-fertilizing.
• Propagation: By softwood cuttings, seed (stratified), or grafting for named cultivars.
• Note: Watch for dogwood anthracnose and powdery mildew, especially in shade with poor air circulation.

Flowering dogwood is native to eastern North America, from southern Ontario and Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, with related forms in Mexico.

In the wild it grows as an understory tree in moist, well-drained deciduous forests and woodland edges. It is widely planted as a specimen and foundation tree in gardens and landscapes across temperate regions.

• Ornamental: Grown for its spring bract display, layered form, red berries, and brilliant fall color — a four-season landscape favorite.
• Wildlife: The red berries feed songbirds, turkeys, and many mammals; the flowers support pollinators.
• Wood: Hard, dense wood was historically used for tool handles, shuttles, and golf club heads.
• Cultural: A cherished native tree and state emblem in several US states.