Dogwoods

Dogwoods, belonging to the genus Cornus, are a diverse and beloved group of woody plants found across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Best known as small deciduous trees and shrubs, they also include creeping herbaceous perennials. These plants are celebrated for their ecological value and stunning ornamental beauty, which peaks in the spring with a burst of showy blossoms and returns in autumn with vibrant foliage and colorful berries. Dogwood wood is remarkably dense and hard, historically used for crafting durable tools, weaving shuttles, and even golf club heads. Their presence in forest understories provides vital structural complexity, nesting sites for birds, and nutrient enrichment for forest soils, making them a cornerstone of native woodlands.

Hábitat: Found in the understory of moist, well-drained deciduous forests, forest edges, riparian zones, and suburban landscapes.