Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small tree or large shrub that is native to the eastern United States. It is a member of the Cornaceae family, which also includes other species of dogwood trees. Flowering dogwood is known for its attractive flowers, which appear in the spring before the leaves emerge. These flowers are actually made up of small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers surrounded by four large, showy bracts that are typically pink or white in color. The tree is also prized for its autumn foliage, which turns shades of red, orange, and yellow, and for its bright red fruits, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
Flowering dogwood grows well in a variety of soil types and prefers partial shade, although it can tolerate full sun if given adequate moisture. It is generally a low-maintenance tree that is resistant to pests and diseases, although it can be prone to problems with leaf spot and powdery mildew. It is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens and landscaping, and it is also popular as a street tree in many parts of the country.
There are several subspecies of flowering dogwood, including the native Cornus florida var. florida and the introduced Cornus florida var. rubra. The native subspecies is typically smaller and more slender than the introduced subspecies, which is also known as the flowering dogwood or red-flowering dogwood. The introduced subspecies is often used as an ornamental tree in Europe and Asia, and it is also grown in the United States as a landscape tree.
In addition to its horticultural value, flowering dogwood has a long history of cultural significance. It is the state tree of Virginia and the state flower of Missouri, and it is also the official tree of the District of Columbia. It has been used in traditional medicine by Native American and indigenous cultures, and it is a popular subject in art and literature.
Overall, flowering dogwood is a beautiful and versatile tree that adds visual interest and value to any landscape. It is a reliable and low-maintenance choice for gardeners and landscapers, and it has a rich cultural history that adds to its appeal.
Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
The flowering dogwood is susceptible to many pests such as leafhoppers and diseases like powdery mildew. It has specific growing requirements that can be difficult to achieve in landscaped areas. The small white flowers are grown in rounded clusters, and they give way to immature green fruits that turn white when ripened. Some of the animals that eat the fruit of the dogwood are: northern cardinal, eastern bluebird, dark-eyed junco, tufted titmouse, American robin, northern bobwhite, wild turkey, tree swallow, raccoon, red fox, eastern chipmunk, American crow, woodpecker, common grackle, common starling, squirrel, beaver, striped skunk, white-footed mouse, rabbit, and white-tailed deer. It occurs from Maine, south to Florida and west to eastern Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and southern Michigan. In Pennsylvania, flowering dogwoods generally begin blooming from mid to late April through early May.
A characteristic feature of this dogwood species is its flat, slightly rounded crown. USA National Phenology Network, 2016. Seedling survival is generally best on moist, rich, well-drained soils. The leaves are in an opposite orientation and have veins that curve out to the edge of the leaf from its midrib the central vein of the leaf, connected to its petiole. In the late spring and early summer, its delicate white flowers offer some shade for those who choose to take a seat. Dogwood flowers are typically white, but some species produce yellow, pale red or pink blossoms. One reason why flowering dogwood trees are popular is that they are low-maintenance garden trees.
In this sense it is first recorded in 1733. New York: American Book Company. Some species of tree produce pinkish or red petals, making the flowering tree even more attractive. The small- to medium-sized dogwood tree has a rounded crown that is attractive in all seasons. Leaves will appear smaller and paler. Cornus florida - Flowering Dogwood - Zone 5; 20'H X 20'W Native to Northeastern United States; distinct branching pattern gives it year round character.
Plant Guide with Characteristics, Classification, and other detailed information
This tree can be challenging to grow in urban settings, other native trees should be considered see the left hand margin for suggestions. Over 32 different varieties of game birds, including quail, feed on the red seeds. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2006. Although it is not the tallest tree, its height is quite noticeable - the tree can be seen from the street, despite the brick walls surrounding the cemetery. Kousa Dogwood Flowering Dogwood Scientific Classification Cornus kousa updated from Benthamia japonicaBenthamia kousaCynoxylon kousa Cornus florida updated from Benthamidia floridaCynoxylon floridum var.
It is native from southeastern Canada to eastern North America to eastern Mexico. More tolerant of dry conditions than other dogwoods; less susceptible to borer. It is also possible that the tree was named for its berry, called dogberry from at least the 1550s, where the implication could be that the quality of the berry is inferior, as it were "fit for a dog". Thomas; Wenheng Zhang; Steven R. Trees are also susceptible to powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot and leaf, twig blight crown canker, bacterial leaf scorch, powdery mildew, and septoria leaf spot. Powdery mildew forms on new growth causing reddish discoloration, premature defoliation, and dead patches. Prepared By: Sarah Wennerberg USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center Baton Rouge, Louisiana Species Coordinator: Mark Skinner USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center Baton Rouge, Louisiana Edited: 25May2004 sbw; 20Oct2004 rln; 25may06jsp For more information about this and other plants, please contact your local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS Web site or the Plant Materials Program Web site Attribution: U.
Seasons As the above map shows in green, flowering dogwoods are prominently found on the east coast of the United States. Many species have edible fruit, though not all taste good. It is sensitive to adverse soil and environmental conditions such as road salt and pollution. Fruit The fruit of the dogwood is small in size and shaped like an oblong sphere. It is more resilient in the face of drought and significantly more disease and pest-resistant than the flowering dogwood. This allows for the seeds to undergo natural warm stratification prior to exposure to cooler winter temperatures.
Some cultivars may be difficult to find in the nursery trade. The flowering dogwood is known for its petal-like bracts that bloom later in the spring and attract plenty of butterflies and bees. Description General: Dogwood Family Cornaceae. Infection spreads into the shoots, main branches, and trunk causing cankers to form. Dogwood leaves decompose quickly, at a rate 3 to 10 times faster than other tree species found with them. Native to the eastern United States, including Delaware Growing 15 to 30 feet tall, experts say Dogwood blooms from April to May Opening its buds up toward the sun Going to visit our tree is so much fun! The habitat of flowering dogwood is the forest understory. The fruit for the flowering dogwood is poisonous to humans, so humans have interacted with the flowering dogwood in limited amounts.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size: Flowers appear large because of the four white bracts. Plant in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH. These hybrids show greater resistance to dogwood anthracnose under normal landscape conditions and are resistant to borer. Retrieved February 9, 2022. You can expect the most flowers in full sun. Root injury, over-fertilization, or lack of soil drainage can lead to root rot.
