Flowering Dogwood

(Cornus florida)

August 1996

Summary:

Foliage: Deciduous broadleaf
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Spread: 20 to 30 feet
Shape: Spreading

White flowers bloom in spring. Dark green foliage changes to red in fall. Red berries remain on tree late in fall.

Plant Needs:

Zone: 5 to 8
Light: Partial shade
Moisture: Wet, moist, or dry
Soil Type: Sandy, loam, or clay
pH Range: 3.7 to 6.5

Functions:

Suggested uses for this plant include border, specimen plant, naturalizing, and attracting wildlife.

Planting Notes:

Avoid transplanting trees from the wild which may already be infected with the Dogwood anthracnose fungus.
Select trees that have balled and burlapped roots.
Plant in acid, well-drained soil in partial shade. Avoid compact or shallow soils.
Does not tolerate pollution.

Care:

Always mulch around the base of dogwoods to conserve moisture and prevent damage from lawn mowers and string trimmers.
Water thoroughly once a week during periods of drought.

Problems:

Susceptible to many diseases and insects, including borers, anthracnose, and flower and leaf spots.
Many problems result from damage to bark caused by lawnmowers and string trimmers.

Alternatives:

Consult local sources, including historic or public gardens and arboreta, regarding cultivars and related species that grow well in your area.

Cultivars of CORNUS FLORIDA:
`Apple Blossom' has apple-blossom pink flowers.
`Cherokee Chief' has red flowers, new leaves are reddish.
`White Cloud' has numerous creamy-white flowers, especially when plant is very young.
`Xanthocarpa' has yellow fruit.

Comments:

Dogwood is the most popular native flowering tree and is the state tree of Virginia.
It is often used as a specimen, in masses, or naturalized under large trees.
Interesting in all seasons because of its showy spring flowers, red berries, consistent fall color, and branching habit.

Additional Materials:

The PRUNING SERIES videotape can be ordered through your local Extension office.
The following Extension publications are available through your local Extension office or directly from: Virginia Tech Extension Distribution Center 112 Landsdowne St. Blacksburg, VA 24061
#426-500 "Winter Injury to Trees and Shrubs"
#426-611 "Selecting Landscape Plants - Flowering Trees

This material was developed by Carol Ness as part of the Interactive Design and Development Project funded by the Kellogg Foundation. Mary Miller, Project Director. Diane Relf, Content Specialist, Horticulture. Copyright 1989 by VCE.

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