flowering dogwood
Also known as: American box; blood twig dogwood; common white dogwood; eastern flowering dogwood; false box wood; North American green osier
A small tree or large shrub with large, broadly oval, mid-green leaves that turn red and purple in autumn. In late spring, clusters of small, green flowers are surrounded by conspicuous white or pink bracts, followed by rounded, orange-red fruit
Scientific classification
- Species
- flowering dogwood (Cornus florida)
- Genus
- Cornus
- Family
- Cornaceae
- Information to be completed
- Toxicity
- Shrubs · Trees
- Plant type
- 4-8 metres
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Bushy
- Habit
- Autumn · Spring · Summer
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
flowering dogwood pictures
Distribution of flowering dogwood
Distribution map
Eastern Canada, Eastern USA, Mexico
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Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Information to be completed
Quick identification of flowering dogwood
Information to be completed
flowering dogwood care guide
- Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Deep watering during dry spells, allowing slight surface drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced shrub or tree feed once each early spring
Pruning
PruningLittle pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings in summer
Growing
GrowingGrow in fertile, well-drained, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. Keep roots cool with a mulch in summer and provide shelter in exposed locations. For more advice, see flowering dogwood cultivation
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Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus
Pests
Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale
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