Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)

Cornus florida, commonly known as Flowering Dogwood, is a beloved large shrub or small deciduous tree prized for its four seasons of interest and versatility. Its showy bracts, vibrant fall foliage, and attractive berries make it a standout in any landscape. This native tree of Eastern North America thrives in a variety of environments and is a favorite among gardeners, landscapers, and wildlife enthusiasts.

Flowering Dogwood belongs to the Cornaceae family, which includes other notable species such as Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood), Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry), and Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood).

Description

Cornus florida is a large shrub or small deciduous tree prized for its distinctive horizontal branching pattern and its ability to create a stunning visual impact in gardens. The tree produces large, showy bracts that are often mistaken for flowers. These bracts, in white or shades of pink, surround small clusters of inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers. Its foliage provides rich autumn color, ranging from red to burgundy, while its bright red berries persist into winter, adding seasonal interest.

Flowering Dogwood is a magnificent landscape tree regarded by many gardeners as one of the best small flowering trees.

Native Habitat

Flowering Dogwood is native to Eastern North America, spanning from Maine and southern Ontario to Illinois, Kansas, Florida, Texas, and Mexico. It is a vital understory species in eastern deciduous and southern coniferous forests. It thrives in diverse habitats, including floodplains, slopes, bluffs, ravines, gum swamps, fencerows, and old-field communities.

Plant Type and Habit

Flowering Dogwood is a deciduous multi-branched shrub or small tree with a rounded to flat-topped canopy and a graceful, spreading habit. Its horizontal branching pattern creates a layered appearance, making it an architectural focal point in the garden. The tree is typically multi-stemmed but can be pruned into a single-trunk form.

Plant Size

The size of this dogwood tree depends on growing conditions and cultivar. Typically, it grows 15–30 feet (4.5–9 meters) tall and wide. In optimal conditions, it can grow at a moderate rate of 1–2 feet (30–60 cm) per year.

Flowers and Fruits

In spring, Flowering Dogwood produces profuse, star-like blooms, 3-4 inches across (7-10 cm). These consist of four pointed, petal-like bracts, typically white or pink, surrounding a central cluster of tiny yellowish-green flowers. The showy bracts create a stunning display, often appearing before the leaves.

By late summer, the blooms give way to rounded, glistening orange-red fruits that ripen in clusters. These fruits, a vital food source for birds and wildlife, often persist into late autumn, adding seasonal interest.

Foliage

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) boasts a canopy of layered branches adorned with broadly oval, mid-green leaves that provide shade and beauty in summer.

In the fall, the tree transforms into a spectacular display, with its foliage turning vibrant shades of purple and scarlet, offering breathtaking bright red hues. This seasonal transition enhances its appeal as a standout feature in any landscape.

Bark

The bark starts light gray and smooth in youth, gradually transitioning to dark gray or brown as the tree matures, developing a distinctive alligator-skin texture. This unique feature adds visual interest in winter, making the tree a captivating focal point even during dormancy.

Hardiness

Cornus florida thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 5–9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. It prefers cool, moist summers and does not tolerate prolonged drought or extreme heat well.

Uses

Ornamental Uses:

• A popular choice for woodland gardens, mixed borders, and specimen planting near patios or lawns.
• Its compact size and stunning seasonal displays make it ideal for small gardens and urban landscapes.
• Frequently planted in parks and public spaces for its visual appeal.

Ecological Uses:

• The berries attract a variety of birds, including cardinals, bluebirds, and cedar waxwings.
• The tree provides shelter and nesting sites for wildlife.
• Pollinators are drawn to its early spring flowers.

Wildlife

Flowering Dogwood plays a vital role in supporting wildlife. Its spring blooms provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. In late summer and fall, its bright red fruits are a valuable food source for over 30 bird species, such as the American Robin, Blue Jay, Cedar Waxwing, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, Northern Mockingbird, and others. Small mammals also consume the fruit.

The dense canopy and layered branches offer excellent nesting sites and shelter for birds, while the fallen leaves enrich the soil, supporting a healthy ecosystem. This tree’s ability to attract and sustain diverse wildlife makes it an integral part of natural and cultivated landscapes.

Toxicity

The fruit of Flowering Dogwood is poisonous to humans.

Deer and Rabbits

Beavers, rabbits, and deer browse the leaves and sprouts of the plant.

Invasiveness

Cornus florida is a native species and is not considered invasive. It coexists harmoniously with other native plants and supports local ecosystems.

Benefits

The Flowering Dogwood offers numerous benefits:

• Seasonal Beauty: From spring blooms to autumn foliage, it provides year-round interest.
• Wildlife Value: A critical food and shelter source for birds and pollinators.
• Cultural Significance: The tree is a symbol of spring in many regions and is the state tree of both Virginia and Missouri, and the state flower of North Carolina.

How to Grow and Care for Flowering Dogwood

Light

This dogwood tree grows best in partial shade, especially in warmer climates, where it benefits from morning sun and afternoon shade. In cooler regions, it can tolerate full sun if the soil remains consistently moist. Too much direct sunlight in hot climates can stress the plant and cause leaf scorch. Keep roots cool with mulch in summer and provide shelter in exposed locations.

Soil

Flowering Dogwood thrives in moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. It prefers rich, organic matter but can adapt to a variety of soil types, provided they are not waterlogged. Avoid heavy clay or overly compacted soils that retain excessive moisture.

Planting

• Plant in spring or fall for best results.
• Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper than the root ball’s height. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly.

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist during the first year to establish roots.
• Mature trees require supplemental watering during dry periods.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth.
• Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nutrients can stress the tree.

Pruning

• No routine pruning is necessary.
• Prune after blooming to remove dead or diseased branches.
• Avoid heavy pruning, as this can disrupt the tree’s natural form.

Mulching

• Apply a 2–3 inch (5–7 cm) layer of organic mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Keep mulch away from the trunk to prevent rot.

How to Propagate Flowering Dogwood

From Seeds

• Collect Seeds: Harvest berries in late fall and remove the seeds.
• Stratification: Place seeds in moist sand and refrigerate for 3–4 months.
• Planting: Sow seeds in well-drained soil in spring.

From Cuttings

• Timing: Take softwood cuttings in early summer.
• Preparation: Dip cut ends in rooting hormone.
• Planting: Insert cuttings into a sand-peat mix and maintain high humidity until roots develop.

Common Problems with Flowering Dogwoods

Dogwoods are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases.

Pests

• Dogwood Borer: Wilted leaves, branch dieback, bark shedding, holes in bark. Severe infestations can kill trees. Apply insecticides, avoid wounding, prune infested branches, and maintain tree health.
• Dogwood Sawfly: Larvae skeletonize leaves, causing severe defoliation of branches or entire trees. Manually remove larvae, apply insecticidal soap, and encourage natural predators like birds and ants.
• Dogwood Twig Borer: Yellowing leaves, twig dieback, wilting branch tips, and potential branch death. Prune infested branches, maintain proper care, and use chemicals only if necessary.
• Flatheaded Appletree Borer: Sunken, discolored bark patches, sap oozing, typically near the trunk base. Prevent tree stress, remove larvae, use tree wraps or deterrents, and apply insecticides during egg-laying.
• Scale Insects: Yellowing leaves, reduced growth, sticky “honeydew,” attracting ants and sooty mold. Use horticultural oil, insecticidal soap, and promote beneficial predators like ladybugs and parasitic wasps.

Diseases

• Dogwood Anthracnose: Tan leaf spots with purple edges, blighted leaves, cankers, and overall tree decline. Remove infected branches, improve airflow, and apply fungicides.
• Powdery Mildew: White powdery spots on leaves, causing withering and drop. Remove debris, improve airflow, and apply fungicides in shady or poorly ventilated areas.
• Cercospora Leaf Spot: Tan to brown leaf spots with purple borders and halos, causing premature leaf drop. Remove debris, improve airflow, and use fungicide if needed.
• Armillaria Root Rot: Yellow leaves, wilting, and rapid tree death; honey-colored mushrooms at the base. Manage by removing infected plants, avoiding wounds.
• Botrytis Blight: Gray mold on flowers, leaves, and shoots. Manage by removing infected plant parts, improving air circulation, and applying fungicides only if necessary.
• Crown Canker: Yellowing leaves, twig dieback, and trunk canker near the base. Remove infected bark surgically; protect with shellac and asphalt paint. Avoid replanting.

Environmental Issues

• Drought Stress: Can cause premature leaf drop.
• Frost Damage: Late frosts can damage buds and flowers.

Mechanical Damage

• Protect the trunk from lawn equipment and rodents.

Discover more about pests, diseases, and common problems affecting flowering dogwood trees.

Opt for disease-resistant dogwood varieties or explore alternative ornamental options with similar beauty but less susceptibility to pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a common issue with flowering dogwood trees?

Flowering dogwoods are commonly affected by pests like dogwood borers and diseases such as anthracnose, powdery mildew, and root rot, which can weaken or kill the tree.

Do flowering dogwood trees like sun or shade?

They prefer partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but they can tolerate full sun with consistent moisture and good soil.

How tall does a flowering dogwood get?

A mature flowering dogwood typically grows 15–30 feet (4.5–9 meters) tall with a similar spread.

How many years does it take for a dogwood to bloom?

It usually takes 7-10 years for a dogwood to bloom when grown from seed.

Is flowering dogwood invasive?

No, flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is not considered invasive. It is a native species in the eastern United States.

How fast does a flowering dogwood grow?

Flowering dogwoods have a moderate growth rate, growing about 1-2 feet per year under ideal conditions.

What is the mature size of a flowering dogwood?

At maturity, the flowering dogwood reaches about 15–30 feet (4.5–9 meters) in both height and width.

Lifespan of flowering dogwood?

Flowering dogwoods can live 20-80 years, depending on their care and environmental conditions.

Dogwood bloom time?

Flowering dogwoods typically bloom in spring, from late March to mid-May, depending on the region.