Flowering Dogwood
ExploreTree
Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
The Flowering Dogwood is a lovely tree that displays beautiful white or pink flowers in spring. It’s great for attracting butterflies!
Habitat: Woodlands and gardens
Appearance
The Flowering Dogwood has distinctive 'flowers' with four large white or pink petal-like bracts surrounding tiny yellow true flowers. Its deep green leaves turn vibrant reddish-purple in fall, and its bark often looks like alligator skin.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCornalesFamilyCornaceaeGenusCornus
Category
TreeRarity
Common
Danger
1/5
Snaps
22
Interesting facts
Its wood is so incredibly hard, it was once used to make shuttles for weaving!
Native Americans used dogwood bark to make a vibrant scarlet dye for fabrics.
Real dogwood flowers are tiny, tucked in the center of its showy 'petals'!
The cross-like pattern of its branches in winter inspired ancient legends.
Special abilities
Ability
Bract Beacon
Flowering Dogwood has large, colorful bracts that act like a giant beacon to attract pollinators to its tiny, real flowers.
Ability
Seasonal Wardrobe
Flowering Dogwood can change its leaf color from green to brilliant red and purple, signaling autumn and preparing for winter.
Ability
Birdy Buffet
Flowering Dogwood has bright red, nutrient-rich berries that provide essential food for many birds in late summer.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 6-10 m
- Canopy Spread
- 4-8 m
- Is Edible
- No
- Trunk Diameter
- 15-30 cm
- Lifespan
- 60-80 years
- Fruit Type
- Drupe
- Growth Rate
- Medium
- Leaf Type
- Deciduous
Ecological connections
eats
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Consumes its red berries for energy.
eats
White-tailed Deer
Odocoileus virginianus
Browses on its leaves and twigs.
pollinates
Honey Bee
Apis mellifera
Visits tiny central flowers for nectar.
parasitizes
Dogwood Anthracnose
Discula destructiva
A fungus that can cause severe disease.
Traits
Deciduous
Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!
Flowering
These are the plants that produce beautiful blossoms, attracting pollinators and adding splashes of color to our world. Each flower is a tiny marvel!
Forest
These lush habitats are filled with countless trees, offering homes to a huge variety of plants and animals! Immerse yourself in the green canopy.
Also known as
Box DogwoodFlowering Cornel
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5
Do not pick or eat anything you find. Some plants and mushrooms can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Flowering Dogwood?
6-10 m
How wide does Flowering Dogwood spread?
4-8 m
Is Flowering Dogwood edible?
No
How big is Flowering Dogwood?
15-30 cm
How long does Flowering Dogwood live?
60-80 years
Where is Flowering Dogwood usually found?
Woodlands and gardens
What kind of fruit does Flowering Dogwood produce?
Drupe
How fast does Flowering Dogwood grow?
Medium
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Where to spot
Park30 sightings19 species
New York, US
Coindre Hall Park
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Park114 sightings18 species
New Jersey, US
Colonial Park
You might spot Huron Skipper, Great Blue Heron, and American Robin.
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Zoo30 sightings17 species
Pennsylvania, US
Philadelphia Zoo
You might spot Snake, Cheetah, and Crocodilia.
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Zoo18 sightings12 species
Texas, US
Caldwell Zoo
You might spot Lion, Red Fox, and Common Ostrich.
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Zoo16 sightings12 species
Virginia, US
Mill Mountain Zoo
You might spot Snow Leopard, Red Panda, and Eurasian Lynx.
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Park98 sightings11 species
New Jersey, US
Yantacaw Park
You might spot Great Egret, Eastern White Pine, and Haircap Mosses.
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