Flowering Dogwood

Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Eudicots
• Clade: Asterids
• Order: Cornales
• Family: Cornaceae
• Genus: Cornus
• Species: Cornus florida

Common Names by Region

• United States: Flowering Dogwood
• Canada: Eastern Dogwood
• Japan: American Dogwood
• Europe: Florida Dogwood

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Description

• Growth Habit: Deciduous small tree or large shrub with a spreading crown.
• Size: Typically reaches 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters) in height with a similar spread.
• Leaves: Opposite, simple, ovate to elliptical, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) long, dark green in summer, turning red to purple in autumn.
• Flowers: Small, inconspicuous true flowers surrounded by four large white (sometimes pink or red) petal-like bracts, appearing in early spring before the leaves.

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Known Range

• Native Range: Eastern North America, from southern Maine to northern Florida and west to eastern Texas and southeastern Missouri.
• Cultivated Range: Widely planted in temperate regions worldwide, including Europe and Asia, for ornamental purposes.

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Care Requirements

• Light: Prefers partial shade to full sun; best flowering occurs in dappled sunlight.
• Watering: Requires moderate watering; prefers well-drained soil but benefits from consistent moisture.
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with organic matter.
• Humidity: Tolerates moderate humidity levels; excessive humidity can contribute to fungal issues.
• Temperature: Hardy in USDA zones 5-9; susceptible to late spring frosts at the northern extent of its range.
• Propagation: Primarily by seed, softwood cuttings, or grafting.
• Common Pests/Diseases: Susceptible to dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva), powdery mildew, borers, and dogwood sawflies.

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Additional Notes

• Special Features: Attractive in all seasons with showy spring flowers, vibrant fall foliage, and red berries that provide food for wildlife.
• Maintenance Level: Moderate; requires pruning to maintain structure and airflow, and monitoring for disease prevention.

Cornus florida is a beloved ornamental tree known for its seasonal beauty and ecological benefits, serving as a vital food source for birds and pollinators while adding aesthetic value to landscapes.