We want every single one of the bright spring flowers and trees that are in bloom in our gardens. And dogwoods are at the top of our wish list! Dogwoods also are fairly long-lived trees. A well-cared-for dogwood can thrive for 50 or more years to add long-lasting beauty to your garden.
There are 17 different types of dogwood trees and shrubs (Cornus spp) that grow in North America. Ben Chu, horticulture manager at the Missouri Botanical Garden, says, “They range from plants that look like ground cover to big trees.” “They grow well in many different conditions in average soil, and some types are shade-tolerant. “.
When they burst into bloom in the spring, dogwoods remind us of the glory of nature. Tom Molnar, PhD, an associate professor of plant biology at Rutgers University of New Jersey, says, “Few trees are as beautiful as the native dogwood when it’s full of flower bracts.” “It’s one of spring’s first flowering trees. ”.
The beautiful flower bracts are the main reason people plant dogwood trees. However, some shrubby types of dogwood are grown more for their bright red or yellow stems that stand out against snow. However, both types may exhibit brilliant fall foliage, too.
Dogwood trees are loved for their showy spring flowers that come in shades of white, pink, red, and yellow. Their clustered blooms and multi-branched habit makes them stand out in landscapes and natural areas. Unfortunately, disease problems like dogwood anthracnose have made it harder to grow some types of dogwoods
Fortunately, there are several lookalike trees that can give you the beauty of a dogwood without the disease headaches. These dogwood doppelgangers have similar flowering habits, sizes, and growth habits to true dogwoods. Read on to learn about 9 trees that can mimic the floral show of dogwoods.
Bradford Pear
The Bradford pear (Pyrus calleryana) is one of the most common dogwood lookalikes. It bursts into bloom in early spring with white flowers tinged pink. The trees reach a mature height and spread of 30-50 feet.
Bradford pears grow quickly and tolerates pollution and urban conditions. However, they are susceptible to storm damage due to their narrow, V-shaped branching habit. Their fruit is not tasty and may cause stomach upset if ingested. Bradford pears also spread aggressively via seed and are considered invasive in some areas.
Redbud
Redbud (Cercis canadensis) is a small, native tree that lights up backyards and woodlands with fuchsia-pink spring blooms. Their flowers open on bare branches in early spring before the heart-shaped leaves emerge.
There are many cultivars of redbud to choose from with white, lavender, burgundy, or variegated foliage. Most grow to 15-30 feet tall. Redbuds thrive in full sun to part shade and are adaptable to most soils. They are not bothered by serious pests or diseases.
Corneliancherry Dogwood
The corneliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is a hardy species from Europe and Asia. It offers clusters of tiny yellow flowers in late winter to early spring. The flowers give way to red cherry-like fruit that can be made into jam.
This dogwood lookalike grows 15-25 feet tall and wide. It is adaptable to many soil types and urban conditions. Its disease resistance makes it a good choice to replace blight-susceptible native dogwood species.
Kousa Dogwood
Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) is a non-native dogwood resistant to the disease problems plaguing native flowering dogwoods. The Kousa blooms later than native dogwoods, with flowers opening on the branches after the leaves emerge. It grows 15-30 feet tall and offers reddish-pink floral bracts and raspberry-like fruit.
Serviceberry
Serviceberry (Amelanchier) encompasses a genus of 20 species of native trees and large shrubs. In early to mid spring, they erupt with white 5-petaled starry flowers, similar to dogwoods. The sweet berry-like pomes that follow are enjoyed by birds and humans.
Serviceberries thrive in full sun to part shade and reach a mature size of 15-30 feet. Popular garden varieties include ‘Autumn Brilliance’, ‘Robin Hill’, and ‘Princess Diana’.
Japanese Flowering Cherry
Japanese flowering cherry (Prunus serrulata) brings gorgeous, large pink or white flower clusters to landscapes in early to mid spring. Their vase-shaped form and showy reddish-bronze bark provide year-round interest.
Most cultivars top out at 15-25 feet tall. While beautiful, Japanese cherries are not long lived, averaging just 15-20 years. They require well-drained soil and are prone to pests like leaf miners and canker.
Fringetree
Two species of fringetree light up woodland understories and garden beds with snowy white dogwood-like blooms. White fringetree (Chionanthus virginicus) is native to eastern North America, while Chinese fringetree (Chionanthus retusus) hails from China and Korea.
These small trees reach 10-30 feet tall at maturity. Chinese fringetree offers better disease resistance and the ability to grow in dry soils. The native white fringetree can fall victim to pests like twig girdlers, canker, and Verticillium wilt.
Franklinia
Franklinia (Franklinia alatamaha) is one of the rarest trees you can grow, with large, fragrant white camellia-like flowers. It’s the sole species in its genus and extinct in the wild. Mature trees reach 15-30 feet tall.
Franklinias require acidic, well-drained soil and part shade. They are not tolerant of drought or pollution. While beautiful, they can be temperamental to grow. Make sure to choose genetically diverse nursery stock.
Silverbell
Silverbell (Halesia tetraptera) is a Southeastern native that offers abundant pendulous white bell-shaped blooms in spring. The flowers give way to dry 4-winged fruit that remain on the tree into winter. A mature silverbell grows 30-50 feet tall.
Silverbell naturally grows as an understory tree and appreciates some afternoon shade and moist acidic soil. Adaptable cultivars allow silverbell to succeed outside its native range. Some varieties offer pink flowers or variegated foliage.
Takeaways
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Bradford pears, Japanese cherries, fringetrees, and redbuds offer profuse spring blooms reminiscent of dogwoods.
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Corneliancherry dogwood, Kousa dogwood, and Franklinia give the flowering display of dogwoods without the disease headaches.
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Serviceberry, silverbell, and fringetree are small native trees that provide multi-season interest like dogwoods.
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Consider site conditions, ultimate size, and invasiveness before choosing a dogwood lookalike.
While no tree is exactly the same as a flowering dogwood, these beautiful alternatives can capture their graceful form and floral spectacle. Adding one of these dogwood doppelgangers to your landscape allows you to enjoy gorgeous spring blooms without dogwood diseases.
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Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
Kousa dogwoods are stunning in full bloom. They bloom about a month after Cornus florida and after their leaves have developed.
Molnar says they are less likely to get diseases than Cornus florida, which can get diseases like powdery mildew.
Asian native range; USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 8; 15 to 30 feet tall and wide; Full sun to part shade; Advertisement—Read More Below
How to Care For Dogwoods
Dogwoods are typically easy to grow. Their blooms occur from early to mid-spring, depending on the variety. Flowers last two to three weeks. When shopping, make sure to chose one that is suited to withstand winters in your USDA Hardiness zone. (Find your zone here).
Most dogwoods prefer some afternoon shade, especially in warmer climates, says Molnar. Mulching also keeps them happy. Just make sure not to stack mulch right up against the trunk, which invites disease. (Heres an easy way to calculate how much mulch you need for your garden. ).
Dogwoods tolerate most soil types, as long as it is well-draining. They do not like soggy feet.
“Make sure to give them plenty of room to grow,” says Molnar. “Don’t try to squeeze them into an area between the sidewalk and the street. “They don’t like it when it’s hot, dry, or when the pavement is hot, and they do better when there is good air flow around them to help them stay healthy.” Depending on the species, dogwoods range from ground covers plants to 40 feet tall.
Water well the first two seasons in order to help the plants establish a good root system. Dogwood trees typically are shallow-rooted, so water deeply once or twice a week, especially during drought.
Some types of dogwoods are susceptible to powdery mildew, an unsightly whitish substance that can weaken the tree and make it less attractive. Reduce risk by providing good air and light penetration around the tree, and avoid irrigation spraying on it. Or choose a type which is more disease resistant (see our suggestions below).
Dogwoods typically do not need to be pruned, and too much pruning causes them to send out weird shoots that mar the overall look and health of the plant. However, you can remove dead branches at any time.
Read on to learn more about common dogwood varieties you’ll find in garden centers and nurseries:
5 Favorite Flowering Dogwood Trees | NatureHills.com
FAQ
What tree is similar to a dogwood tree?
What is the name of the tree that looks like a dogwood?
How to tell the difference between dogwood and Bradford pear?
Are there different kinds of dogwood trees?
What does a dogwood tree look like in the fall?
Fall leaf color on most sun grown plants will be red to maroon. The bright red fruits are often eaten by birds. Fall leaf color of Dogwood is more vivid in USDA hardiness zones: 5 through 8A. Availability: Generally available in many areas within its hardiness range. Several of the cultivars listed are not readily available.
What do dogwood flowers look like?
The white bracts of a flowering dogwood are effective for 10 days to two weeks in April or early May. They are about 2 inches long. The true flower is greenish yellow and insignificant. Flower buds are flat and biscuit-shaped. Borers are a big threat to flowering dogwood, especially when its trunk is damaged by lawn mowers.
How do you identify a dogwood tree?
You can identify a dogwood by looking at three of its physical characteristics: leaves, bark, and fruit. Dogwood tree leaves are often smooth-edged with veins that curve parallel to the margins (edges). A few species, however, have leaves that alternate on the stems.