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Dogwood
Cornus florida
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| The graceful shape of the Dogwood tree and its
brilliant springtime blooms make this tree beautiful for all seasons. Though found
naturally throughout the Eastern United States, Dogwoods are one of the most popular
ornamental specimen trees and never seems to be overplanted. |
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Leaves
Opposite, deciduous midgreen leaves, 3-6"
long are ovate in shape. The leaves turn a redish-purple color in autumn.
Flowers
Flowers consist of four snow white or tinged pink petal-like bracts surround a cluster of
tiny yellowish flowers. Flowers stay on the tree for 2-3 weeks.
Fruit
Clusters of bright red football shaped fruits, about a half inch long,
follow the flowers and often persist into winter unless eaten by birds and other animals.
Trunk
The gray bark breaks into tiny
rectangles with age.
Propagation
Dogwoods should be propagated from
greenwood cuttings in spring, hardwood cuttings in summer, or from seed.
Landscape usage
Dogwood should be used as a framing or background tree. Works well under oaks and in small
yards. Looks nice in a yard with azaleas.
Interesting Facts
In recent years, flowering Dogwood has been severely impacted by dogwood
blight, a fungus disease that can decrease population numbers. Infected trees show small
tan spots with dark tan margins on the leaves. The disease eventually kills the leaves,
and in 2-3 years the tree dies. The disease (an anthracnose in the genus Discula)
thrives in cool, moist weather and dogwoods in the open, with good air circulation and
sunlight, are not usually attacked as are understory Dogwood trees. |
Dogwood tree
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Summary
Type: Tree
Salt Tolerant: Low
Height: 20-30 ft
Spread: 20-30 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Light: broken shade
Water: Moderate
Hardiness: Medium
Native: Yes
Wildlife: Yes
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Dogwood flower
Dogwood fruit
For more detailed information on this
plant go to:
Volusia Extension |
