Cornus Florida

Description

Cornus Florida, commonly known as the flowering dogwood, is a small deciduous tree native to eastern North America. It belongs to the Cornaceae family and is known for its striking beauty, making it a popular ornamental tree in gardens and parks. The flowering dogwood blooms in early spring, producing an array of pink or white flowers that cover the entire tree. The flowers are followed by bright red fruits that ripen in the fall and serve as food for various wildlife species.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The flowering dogwood is a small tree that grows up to 20-30 feet tall and wide. It has a flat-topped crown with a spreading, horizontal branching pattern. The bark is greyish-brown and smooth when the tree is young, but becomes rough and fissured as it ages. The leaves are simple, opposite, and ovate-shaped, with a dark green color and a red-purple fall color. The flowers are clustered together in a dense, rounded inflorescence, with four petal-like bracts that surround the tiny, inconspicuous flowers. The fruits are round, bright red drupes that are about 1/2 inch in diameter.

Care Guide

The flowering dogwood is a relatively low-maintenance tree that thrives in well-drained, acidic soils that are rich in organic matter. Here are some tips on how to care for your Cornus Florida:

• Water: Water your tree regularly, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your tree once a year in early spring with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer.
• Soil: Plant your tree in well-drained, acidic soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: The flowering dogwood prefers partial shade to full sun, but can tolerate full shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The Cornus Florida is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

The flowering dogwood is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:

• Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause defoliation, twig dieback, and cankers on the trunk and branches.
• Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves and can lead to leaf drop.
• Borer Insects: These insects can cause damage to the trunk and branches, leading to dieback and death of the tree.
• Scale Insects: These insects can cause yellowing of the leaves and stunted growth.

Habitat

The Cornus Florida is native to eastern North America, ranging from southern Maine to northern Florida, and as far west as Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. It grows in a variety of habitats, including deciduous forests, woodland edges, and along streams and rivers. The flowering dogwood is an important understory tree, providing food and habitat for various wildlife species, such as birds and squirrels.

Question and Answer

Q: When does the flowering dogwood bloom?

A: The Cornus Florida blooms in early spring, usually in April or May.

Q: Is the flowering dogwood a good tree for small gardens?

A: Yes, the Cornus Florida is a small tree that is perfect for small gardens and urban landscapes.

Q: Can the flowering dogwood grow in full shade?

A: Yes, the Cornus Florida can tolerate full shade, but it will produce fewer flowers.

Q: What is the hardiness zone for the flowering dogwood?

A: The Cornus Florida is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to the Cornus Florida:

• Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)
• Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry Dogwood)
• Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood)
• Cornus alba (Tatarian Dogwood)

References

• “Cornus Florida.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 4 May 2021. <https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a405>.
• “Flowering Dogwood.” Arbor Day Foundation. Accessed 4 May 2021. <https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeGuide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=787>.
• “Cornus Florida.” NC State Extension. Accessed 4 May 2021. <https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/flowering-dogwood>.