Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) KOR-nus FLOOR-ih-dah Genus:  Cornus

This native flowering tree is best known for its early spring blossoms, which are actually yellowish green flowers clustered in the center of four showy, white to pink bracts 1-1/2 to 2 inches long. Clusters of four bright red fruits mature in early fall, often persisting into the beginning of winter. 

Noteworthy Characteristics: 

Reddish-brown wood is extremely hard and is used to make tool handles. Great as a specimen tree or in groupings, also in the woodland garden. Fruit is toxic to humans.

Care: 

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Prefers neutral to acidic soil.

Propagation: 

Graft cultivars in winter. Root greenwood cuttings in summer.

Problems: 

Dogwood blight, powdery mildew, Discula blight, canker, bacterial leaf spot, and mushroom root rot. Common: twig borers, weevils, sawfly, scale insects, aphids, leafhoppers, root knot nematodes, and thrips.

Overview

Height 15 ft. to 30 ft. Spread 15 ft. to 30 ft. Growth Habit Clumps Light Full Sun to Part Shade Moisture Medium Moisture Maintenance Moderate Characteristics Attracts Butterflies, Attracts Song Birds, Interesting Bark, Showy Flowers, Showy Seed Heads Bloom Time Early Spring, Spring Flower Color Pink, White Uses Beds and Borders, Specimen Plant/Focal Point Style Cottage Garden, Woodland Garden Seasonal Interest Spring Interest Type Trees