Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
OrnamentalAbout Flowering Dogwood
Flowering Dogwood is one of the most beloved ornamental trees in eastern North America, known for its showy white or pink bracts in spring and bright red berries in fall. It is a small understory tree that provides year-round interest with its layered branching, fall color, and attractive bark.
Quick Facts
How to Identify Flowering Dogwood
- Four large, showy white or pink bracts surround tiny true flowers
- Opposite, simple leaves with curved veins following the leaf margin
- Bright red, glossy berries in clusters in fall
- Gray to brown bark broken into small, square blocks (alligator skin pattern)
- Horizontal, layered branching pattern
Care Guide
- Avoid wounding the trunk, which invites dogwood anthracnose
- Water during droughts; dogwoods are shallow-rooted
- Mulch to maintain even soil moisture and cool root temperatures
- Prune minimally; remove dead or crossed branches in late winter
- Do not plant too deeply; keep root flare at soil level
Known Issues (4)
Anthracnose
MODERATEA group of fungal diseases causing leaf spots, cankers, and shoot blight on many shade trees. Sycamore, dogwood, maple, and oak are commonly affected. Cool, wet spring weather promotes infection of newly expanding leaves.
Affecting 38 regions
Powdery Mildew
LOWA widespread group of fungal diseases that produce a distinctive white powdery coating on leaves and shoots. It affects hundreds of tree, shrub, and plant species. Unlike most fungi, it thrives in warm, dry conditions with high humidity.
Affecting 49 regions
Phytophthora Root Rot
HIGHA group of water-mold diseases that attack the roots and root collar of many tree species. Phytophthora thrives in wet, poorly drained soils. It destroys fine roots and can girdle the trunk at the soil line. Affected trees show a general decline that is often misdiagnosed as drought stress. Oaks, dogwoods, rhododendrons, and many other species are susceptible.
Affecting 31 regions
Leaf Spot Diseases
LOWA broad group of fungal diseases that cause discrete spots on the leaves of deciduous trees. Most are primarily cosmetic and do not seriously harm established trees. They are most common during wet spring and summer weather. Many different fungi cause leaf spots on different tree species.
Affecting 38 regions