Eastern Dogwood (Cornus florida)

Eastern Dogwood – Iconic Spring-Flowering Understory Tree

Cornus florida, the Eastern Dogwood or Flowering Dogwood, is a beloved small deciduous tree native to eastern North America. In mid-spring, it displays showy white (or pink) bracts surrounding tiny true flowers, before leaves emerge. The oval leaves turn rich red-purple in fall, and bright red drupes persist into winter, feeding birds. It has a graceful, horizontal branching habit. It prefers partial shade, moist, acidic, well-drained soil. It is susceptible to dogwood anthracnose and borers.

Taxonomic Details