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Flowering Dogwood
(Cornus florida)
Flowering Dogwood is a delightfully showy understory tree found throughout the Carolinas. In fact, it’s the state flower of North Carolina. Commonly found in woodland settings, Flowering Dogwood generally grows among larger forest trees and along the edges of woodland canopies. Because Flowering Dogwood has year-long characteristics, it is desirable within shaded, recreational landscapes as well as wildlife and pollinator habitats.
The white portions of its spring blooms are not flower petals at all; They are actually bracts surrounding a small cluster of flowers in the center. These flowers are enjoyed by specialized bees and a variety of butterflies. In the summer, Flowering Dogwood features a shady canopy of plump, vibrant green leaves and then, in the fall, its red fruits become an important food source for squirrels, songbirds and other wildlife.
Flowering Dogwood trees can be quite finicky. Because these trees do not withstand pollution, they can be tough to grow (and keep alive) in urban areas; therefore, when considering trees for streetscapes, other native trees are recommended.
Additionally, without proper, diligent care, dogwoods are quite susceptible to a range of diseases and infections such as powdery mildew, leaf spot, canker, root rot, blight, and bacterial leaf scorch. Dogwood anthracnose isn’t very common in lower elevations (less than 1,800 feet); however, spot anthracnose is somewhat common. Saplings and lower foliage are browsed by white-tailed deer.
For information regarding common diseases and pests of Flowering Dogwood trees visit Clemson Cooperative Extension's Home and Garden Information Center.
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Conditions
Light:
- Partial Shade (Morning Sun)
When situated in moist soils, mature Flowering Dogwoods are somewhat heat-tolerant, however, the optimal location for healthy growth is in partial shade.
Soils:
- Clay, Loam
- Moist, Well Draining
- Soil pH 5.5 to 6.0
- High in organic matter
Soil amendments are very important to Flowering Dogwood. Before planting, be sure to condition the surrounding soils with organic matter such as compost and/or pine fines.
Tolerance:
Occasional drought
Occasional flooding
Growth
Expect a Flowering Dogwood to have slow to moderate growth.
In sunny locations, mature height will range from 15' to 20' tall and, in partial shade, around 40' tall. Overall the spread will be about the same as the height, extending more widely toward sunlight. The trunk will be around 6"-12" wide. The typical lifespan of Flowering Dogwood is 20-40 years, however in optimal forest conditions it may live to 80 years old.
Manufacturer's Specs
Carbon Storage Characteristics:
- Slight lifetime growth
- Short lifespan
- Efficient despite its size
Carbon Storage Capabilities:
- Low
Pollution/Dust Interception:
- Low
Tropospheric Ozone Tolerance:
- Low
Flood/Stormwater Abatement:
- Low
Oxygen Yield:
- Low