Phonetic Spelling:KOR-nus FLOR-ih-dah
Genus:Cornus
Species:florida
Family:Cornaceae
The Flowering Dogwood is a small, deciduous tree that typically reaches heights of 15 to 25 feet and has a trunk diameter of 4 to 6 inches. In some cases, it can grow up to 40 feet tall with a trunk measuring 12 to 18 inches across. Its leaves are arranged oppositely, featuring veins that curve toward the tip, and they have smooth to wavy edges. The bark starts off smooth in youth but develops a scaly or finely blocky texture as the tree ages.
This tree is celebrated for its striking display of large, showy bracts that are predominantly white, though pink varieties exist. These bracts bloom in early spring before the leaves appear, encircling small clusters of inconspicuous green flowers. In the fall, the Flowering Dogwood produces clusters of red drupes. Notably, the bracts, which resemble petals, are recognized as the state flower of North Carolina, where the tree commonly grows beneath larger forest trees.
Flowering Dogwoods thrive in average, medium-moisture, well-drained soils and prefer full sun to partial shade. They flourish best in moist, organically rich, acidic soils with some shade. Applying a 2-4 inch layer of mulch can help keep the roots cool and retain moisture during the summer months. While they can tolerate high temperatures, it is essential that their roots remain moist and well-mulched.
In terms of pests and diseases, the Flowering Dogwood may face challenges from calico scale, dogwood borer, dogwood sawfly, Japanese maple scale, leafhoppers, and oyster shell scale. Although dogwood anthracnose is relatively rare and typically occurs at elevations above 1800 feet, spot anthracnose is more prevalent. Additionally, these trees can be affected by powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot, and various blights. White-tailed deer may browse on the foliage, and the trees are sensitive to pollution.
Cornus florida Feature Summary
