Cornus florida – Flowering Dogwood, Beloved Native Spring Bloomer

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Cornus florida (KOR-nus FLOOR-ih-dah) is a native flowering tree best known for its early spring blossoms—actually yellowish-green flowers clustered in the center of four showy, white to pink bracts 1½ to 2 inches long. Clusters of four bright red fruits mature in early fall, often persisting into winter.

Noteworthy Characteristics

• Reddish-brown wood is extremely hard, used for tool handles
• Great as specimen tree or in groupings, also in woodland gardens
• Fruit is toxic to humans

Growing Conditions & Care

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

Propagation

Graft cultivars in winter. Root greenwood cuttings in summer.

Potential Problems

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

Quick Reference

• Height/Spread: 15–30 ft.
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Bloom Time: Early spring to spring
• Flower Color: Pink, White
• Uses: Beds, borders, specimen, cottage gardens, woodland gardens
• Type: Tree