Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

The Flowering Dogwood stands as one of North America's most beloved ornamental trees, reaching heights of 20-30 feet with a distinctive horizontal branching pattern that creates a beautiful layered appearance. Its most striking feature is not actually its flowers, but rather the four large, white petal-like bracts that surround the small, yellowish-green true flowers in spring. These showy bracts can span 3-4 inches across, creating the appearance of single large blooms that blanket the tree in white (or occasionally pink) during April and May. The dark green leaves are oval-shaped with prominent veins that curve toward the tip, and in fall, they transform into a spectacular display of deep red to purple colors.

Native to the eastern United States, the Flowering Dogwood has deep historical roots in American culture. Native American tribes used its hard, dense wood for making tools and weapons, while early settlers discovered its bark contained quinine-like properties useful in treating malaria. The tree was so valued that in 1915, Virginia chose it as their state flower, and Missouri later designated it as their state tree. Interestingly, the name "dogwood" is believed to have originated from the Old English word "dagwood," as its hard wood was used to make "dags" (daggers) and other tools.

Flowering Dogwood thrives best in conditions that mimic its natural habitat as an understory tree in deciduous forests. It prefers partial shade to filtered sunlight, particularly with protection from intense afternoon sun in warmer regions. The tree performs best in well-drained, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter, and requires moderate moisture with consistent watering during dry spells. While adaptable to USDA zones 5-9, it shows optimal growth in regions with distinct seasons, as it requires a period of winter dormancy for proper flower development.

When growing Flowering Dogwood, several important considerations deserve attention. The species is susceptible to anthracnose, a fungal disease that can be devastating if left unchecked, particularly in areas with high humidity and poor air circulation. Additionally, the tree can suffer from powdery mildew and dogwood borer, making it crucial to maintain good cultural practices such as proper mulching, adequate spacing for air flow, and avoiding trunk injury from lawn equipment. Despite these challenges, its beauty and ecological value make it well worth the effort, as the tree provides essential food for numerous bird species through its bright red berries in fall.

For optimal success with Flowering Dogwood, focus on site selection and early care during the establishment period. Young trees benefit from a thick layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature, though the mulch should be kept away from direct contact with the trunk. Regular watering during the first few growing seasons helps develop a strong root system, but once established, the tree becomes relatively drought tolerant. While pruning is rarely necessary, any dead, diseased, or crossing branches should be removed in late winter before new growth begins. With proper care and attention to its basic needs, a Flowering Dogwood can become a magnificent specimen that provides year-round interest and supports local wildlife populations.