Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida

The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small, deciduous tree native to eastern North America and northern Mexico. It's a popular ornamental tree prized for its showy spring blooms and attractive form.

Here's a closer look at this flowering beauty:

Appearance
--Typically grows 15-30 feet tall with a low branching, broadly pyramidal but somewhat flat-topped habit.
--Known for its beautiful white or pink flowers that bloom in early spring, shortly after the redbuds.
--The flowers are not true petals, but bracts, which are modified leaves.
--Four showy bracts surround a cluster of tiny greenish-yellow flowers in the center.
--In summer, it develops bright red fruit, which birds love.
--Leaves are opposite, simple, ovate, with an apparently entire margin. They turn a rich red-brown in fall.

Varieties
--The most common type is the white flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), but there are also pink flowering varieties (Cornus florida var. rubra)

Planting
--Prefers part shade to full sun.
--Does best in fertile, evenly moist, acidic to neutral, well-drained soils.
--Grows well in hardiness zones 5 to 9.

Interesting facts
--The name dogwood actually comes from the fact that people used to make cooking skewers (called “dags” or “dogs”) out of its dense, hard wood.
--It is the state tree of both Missouri and Virginia.

Flowering dogwood, Cornus florida

Flowering dogwood, known scientifically as Cornus florida, is a beloved ornamental tree native to North America. It is admired for its beauty and versatility in various landscapes.

Here are some key facts about this beautiful tree:

Botanical Description: Flowering dogwood is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, typically growing up to 20-30 feet in height. It has a broad, rounded crown and horizontal branches that give it a striking appearance, especially when in bloom.

Floral Display: Despite its name, the true flowers of the dogwood are actually small and inconspicuous, clustered in the center. What are commonly thought of as the petals are actually modified leaves called bracts. These bracts are typically white, but can also be pink or red, and they bloom in the spring, creating a stunning floral display.

Foliage and Fruit: The leaves are oval-shaped, with pointed tips and wavy edges, turning a vibrant red or purple in the fall, adding to the tree's ornamental value. The tree produces red fruit in the fall, which are technically drupes, and are an important food source for birds and wildlife.

Habitat and Growth Conditions: Flowering dogwood is native to the eastern United States and northern Mexico. It thrives in partial shade, often found under the canopy of larger forest trees, but it can also tolerate full sun, especially when given adequate moisture.

Cultural Significance: The flowering dogwood has considerable cultural significance, especially in the United States. It is the state tree of Virginia and Missouri, and its flowers serve as the state flower of North Carolina. The tree is also associated with various Christian Easter traditions.

Uses: Beyond its ornamental value, the wood of the dogwood is extremely hard and dense, making it valuable for certain specialized purposes such as tool handles, textile shuttles, and golf club heads.

Disease Resistance: One of the major challenges in growing flowering dogwood is its susceptibility to a fungal disease called dogwood anthracnose, which can severely affect the tree's health and aesthetic appeal. Choosing disease-resistant cultivars and ensuring proper care are essential for maintaining healthy trees.

Wildlife Value: The fruits of the flowering dogwood are an important source of food for many bird species, including robins, cardinals, and waxwings. The tree also supports various pollinators during its flowering period.

Landscaping Uses: Due to its modest size and stunning seasonal changes, flowering dogwood is a popular choice for residential and urban landscapes. It is used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, and woodland gardens.

Care and Maintenance: For optimal health and flowering, dogwoods require well-drained, acidic soil, and regular watering, especially in dry conditions. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and protect the shallow root system.

These facts highlight the beauty and ecological value of the flowering dogwood, making it a cherished tree in both natural and landscaped settings.