TreeRM

Flowering dogwood

Cornus florida 路 Cornaceae 路 also Dogwood

The understory tree of eastern woods, 15-25 feet with layered branches, big white (or pink) bracts in spring, scarlet fall color and red berries birds strip in autumn. It needs acidic soil, afternoon shade and steady moisture, which rules it out for most of Central Texas; it is at home in the East Texas pineywoods.

Broadleaf, drops leavesMedium growthPart shadeModerate water
Flowering dogwood
Eric Hunt, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it stands

Native

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 United States 路 Also native in: CT, DC, DE, IL, IN, KS, KY, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV (USDA PLANTS distribution)source
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 AL, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 AR, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 FL, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 GA, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 LA, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 MS, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 NC, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 OK, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 SC, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TN, United Statessource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United States 路 Native to the acidic soils of east Texas; not adapted to Central Texas limestonesource

Care

Plant on the north or east side of the house in acidic, well-drained soil with 2-4 inches of mulch to keep roots cool. Water weekly in summer, especially the first few years. Prune in early spring only as needed. Watch for dogwood borer, spot anthracnose, powdery mildew and leaf spot; stressed trees in full sun are most vulnerable.

Benefits

FlowersFall colorBirdsWildlifePollinatorsFits small spaces

Good for

Small yardparks

Watch out for

Pest prone