Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Description

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) tree is easily identifiable by its ‘mushroom-shaped’ buds that are seen early in Spring. The buds will open up into beautiful white bracts that are often mistaken for its flowers. A wonderful understory and showy tree to add to any landscape or yard that provides food and shelter to many types of wildlife. Expect color in spring with their blooms, and vibrant red, purple, or orange leaves in fall.

Light: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Moisture: Medium to Moist

Soil Type: Well-Drained, Sandy Loam to Clay Loam

Soil pH: 5.5 -7

Average Height: 15 – 40 Feet

Leaves: Simple, oval, and arranged opposite on the stem, measuring 3-6 inches long with distinctive curved veins that follow the leaf’s edge, turning vibrant red, purple, or orange in the fall

Flowers: Four white large, notched bracts (modified leaves) surrounding tiny, greenish-yellow true flowers in the center

Bloom Time: Late March – May

Native Region: Eastern North America