Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

The Flowering Dogwood is a deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree for its showy spring flowers and vibrant fall foliage.

Family and Genus

The tree belongs to the family Cornaceae and the genus Cornus.

Notable Subspecies or Cultivars

Ornamental cultivars include ‘Apple Blossom’, ‘Bay Beauty’, ‘Cherokee Brave’, and ‘Cloud 9’, selected for flower color, growth habit, and disease resistance.

Size and Growth

Flowering Dogwoods typically grow 16–50 feet tall, forming a rounded canopy slightly narrower than their height. Growth is slow to moderate, about 12–24 inches per year. Lifespan is commonly 80–100 years.

Bark

Bark is dark gray to reddish-brown with a distinctive pattern of small square or rectangular blocks. When rubbed, it may emit a slight aromatic scent.

Leaves

Leaves are opposite, oval with pointed tips, 3–6 inches long. In fall, they turn yellow, red, or purple.

Flowers

Small true flowers cluster at the center and are surrounded by showy petal-like bracts. Blooming occurs March through mid-May, with bracts often mistaken for petals.

Fruit and Seeds

The tree produces shiny red drupes, dispersed primarily by birds.

Seasonal Changes

Spring features early flowers before leaf expansion. Summer brings a dense green canopy. Fall displays vibrant red, orange, or purple leaves. Winter exposes the bare branches and textured bark.

Root System

Flowering Dogwoods have shallow, fibrous roots sensitive to compaction and disturbance.

Climate and Soil Preferences

Thrives in temperate climates with well-drained, slightly acidic soils. USDA Zones 5–9, partial to full sun.

Native Range

Native to eastern North America, from southern Maine and Ontario south to northern Florida and west to eastern Texas.

Ecological Role

Provides nectar for pollinators, fruit for birds and small mammals, contributes to erosion control, and offers understory shade.

Symbiotic Relationships

Forms mycorrhizal associations with soil fungi. Susceptible to dogwood anthracnose.

Uses

Widely cultivated ornamentally. Historically, wood used for small crafts and tool handles; bark and roots used medicinally.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Iconic spring-blooming tree in eastern U.S., valued for flowers and fall foliage.

Urban and Landscape Use

Planted in parks, gardens, and streetscapes. Sensitive to soil compaction, pollution, and drought.

Conservation Status and Threats

Not federally endangered. Locally threatened by dogwood anthracnose, habitat loss, urban development, dogwood borer, scale insects, and powdery mildew.

Planting and Care

Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soils with partial to full sun. Mulch to conserve moisture and protect shallow roots. Prune during dormancy to remove dead or infected branches. Apply fungicides or insecticides as needed.