Dogwood Trees

Flowering dogwood trees are modestly sized deciduous trees that are the best known as harbingers of spring. The striking beauty of this very recognizable tree gets the attention of homeowners and landscapers. Flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida) are available in many sizes, colors, and shapes. The flowers appear on the trees in early spring. While this tree is a beautiful landscape plant it is also an important wildlife tree. Squirrels and deer and some 28 bird species eat the fruit. Properly located dogwood trees can live up to 80 years of age.

Flowering dogwoods heights range from about 15 to 30 feet tall, depending on the cultivar. The trunks are not large and they are short with many spreading branches. Flowering dogwood leaves are attractive. They grow to about 5 inches long and about 2 inches wide. The undersides are a pale green. Flowering dogwoods are truly a 4 season tree. Spring brings gorgeous flowers, summer brings attractive foliage, fall brings a delightful show of red colored leaves, and winter brings a plant barren of leaves with unique branching and bark for winter interest.

The flowering dogwood is highly prized and widely used because it is so adaptable. The tree thrives in many soil types and growing conditions. The dogwoods relatively small size and high volume of flowers make it a popular landscaping choice.