Flowering dogwood is a small to medium woodland understory tree, native throughout most of the eastern United States.
Showy white, red, or pink flowering bracts appear before the leaves in early spring. Dark green summer foliage turns a brilliant reddish-purple in fall.
Flowering dogwood is sensitive to adverse soil and environmental conditions such as road salt and pollution. It is best planted in acidic soil.
According to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, flowering dogwood is native to the Chicago area. This information has been updated based on new research.
The flowering dogwood tree (Cornus florida) is one of the most popular and beautiful ornamental trees in North America. With its showy spring blooms attractive foliage, interesting bark and vibrant fall color, it’s easy to see why this tree is a favorite for residential landscapes.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at pictures of the flowering dogwood tree throughout the seasons so you can fully appreciate its ornamental qualities
Spring Flowering
The flowering dogwood truly comes into its own in spring when it produces an abundance of showy blossoms. Clusters of small, yellowish-green flowers are surrounded by four large, white “petals” which are actually bracts or modified leaves. These flower bracts can sometimes take on a pink or reddish hue.
The profusion of flowering clusters emerging against a backdrop of green leaves makes for an eye-catching display. Flowering typically occurs from March to May depending on climate.
![White and pink flowering dogwood tree in spring][]
Flowering dogwood in full bloom showcasing white and pink flower bracts
Summer Foliage
After flowering concludes, the dogwood produces ovate, emerald-green leaves that provide great ornamental value throughout the summer months. The leaves typically measure between 2 to 4 inches long with smooth edges and curled parallel veins that curve toward the tip.
The dark green foliage combined with the tree’s horizontal branching habit creates attractive layered dimension and natural beauty.![Green summer foliage on a flowering dogwood tree][]
Green summer leaves of the flowering dogwood
Interesting Bark
One of the unique features of the flowering dogwood is its bark, which has an unusual block-like pattern resembling alligator skin. It has a scaly texture that when mature peels off in small blocks. The bark ranges in color from gray to reddish-brown.
This interesting bark provides great winter interest and makes dogwood trees easy to identify.![Flowering dogwood tree bark][]
The scaly, block-like bark of the flowering dogwood
Brilliant Fall Color
One of the delights of the flowering dogwood is the colorful display it produces in fall. The green summer foliage transforms into a vibrant reddish-purple or deep scarlet hue. This intense fall color develops anywhere from late September through November.
When the leaves change color en masse it creates a dramatic autumn showcase of reds and purples set against the gray bark.![Red and purple fall foliage on a dogwood tree][]
Vibrant red and purple fall color on the leaves
Flowers, Fruit, and Twigs
Close up pictures of the flowering dogwood reveal more of its ornamental qualities.
The delicate petal-like bracts showcase unique notched, wavy, or frilled edges in white and pink:![Close up of pink dogwood flower bracts][]
After flowering, small red berries (drupes) develop on short stalks. While not edible for humans, these berries attract birds:![Red dogwood berries][]
During winter, close ups of the red twigs and stems add nice color contrast:![Red twigs on a dogwood tree][]
Ideal Ornamental Tree
Pictures of the flowering dogwood show why it is such a prized ornamental tree. Its modest size, showy flowers, attractive foliage, interesting bark, and fall color pack a lot of visual punch for a small- to medium-sized deciduous tree.
Flowering dogwoods thrive in USDA zones 5-9. They grow well in full sun or partial shade and perform best in moist, well-draining soil. Give them ample water during hot, dry periods.
Plant the flowering dogwood as a beautiful focal point or specimen tree. It works great in borders, near patios, or anywhere you want an ornamental showpiece that looks good year-round.
Where to See Flowering Dogwoods
To see flowering dogwood trees growing in their natural habitat, visit forested areas and parks in the eastern United States from Texas to southern Maine. Popular public gardens featuring dogwood collections include:
- Brooklyn Botanic Garden (New York)
- United States National Arboretum (Washington D.C.)
- Scott Arboretum (Swarthmore, PA)
- Holden Arboretum (Kirtland, OH)
- Atlanta Botanical Garden (Atlanta, GA)
To add this special tree to your own landscape, purchase from a reputable nursery that sells cultivars suitable for your growing zone. With proper siting and care, you’ll be rewarded with a flowering dogwood that graces your garden with beauty across the seasons.
Flowering Dogwood (632-34* is in the Spruce Hill
East Side and West Side
Find on the Map
Enter keywords to search on the arboretum map.
5 Favorite Flowering Dogwood Trees | NatureHills.com
FAQ
What is a common issue with flowering dogwood trees?
Where is the best place to plant a flowering dogwood?
Why did God curse the dogwood tree?
What is the difference between dogwood and flowering dogwood?
Are dogwood trees flowering?
Dogwood tree under blue sky. Mature white flowering dogwood tree in full bloom. Row of Dogwood Trees blossoming in spring season. A single blossom and spring leaves of the flowering dogwood tree, Cornus Florida, against a blue sky. Flowering dogwood is native to the eastern deciduous forests, west to Texas and Missouri.
Do dogwoods bloom all year?
Dogwoods, from the genus Cornus, consist of a large group of flowering trees and shrubs. These plants are wildly popular because they provide interest year-round – with blooms early in the spring, berries in the summer, and stunning fall colors. Some dogwood species even feature colorful stems, providing winter appeal to your landscape.
What does a dogwood tree look like?
Dogwood flowers are typically white, but some species produce yellow, pale red or pink blossoms. Dogwood trees are small to medium-sized trees, growing between 10 and 25 ft. (3 – 7.6 m) tall. The flowering trees are typically single-trunk decorative trees with white spring flowers and green summer foliage that turn reddish-purple in the fall.
What is a white flowering dogwood?
1. White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus Florida) The White Flowering dogwood is a North American native that blooms in spring, its branches laden with pure-white blossoms. These flowers, though lacking in fragrance, make a striking contrast against the tree’s dark green foliage. The tree grows to a height of 15-30 feet, forming a rounded crown.
What is pink flowering dogwood?
The Pink Flowering dogwood, a variant of Cornus florida, is renowned for its stunning pink blossoms that bloom in spring. The flowers, though not fragrant, add a splash of color to any landscape. This tree grows to a height of 15-30 feet and forms a rounded canopy. In the fall, its leaves turn brilliant red, and it produces red berries.
How tall does dogwood grow?
It usually grows as a shrub, reaching around 10 feet tall, but with pruning, it can be convinced to grow to heights of 15 feet. Unlike other species, the pagoda dogwood, or alternate leaf dogwood, has alternative leaves rather than directly opposite. This dogwood has white flowers and enjoys full or partial sun. 10. Stiff Dogwood