Identifying a Dogwood Tree That Won't Flower

Dogwood Leaves

A homeowner in a wooded area has struggled for three years to identify their dogwood tree and understand why it refuses to bloom. Based on the leaf photos provided, the tree appears to be Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), though the exact cultivar can't be confirmed without seeing the flowers.

Why Your Dogwood Isn't Flowering

Dogwoods need adequate sunlight to produce blooms. If your tree is in heavy shade, consider thinning nearby branches to allow more light penetration. For mature plants, rejuvenation pruning can help: after flowering season ends in June, remove some of the oldest stems at ground level to stimulate fresh growth and better flower production the following year.

— Jonathan, Ecologica Gardens