Introduction
Dogwood trees are a genus of around 45-50 species of deciduous trees and shrubs belonging to the Cornaceae family. They are native throughout much of eastern North America as well as parts of Asia. Dogwood trees are highly valued for their beauty, with showy blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in fall. Their wood is also popularly used for a variety of purposes.
Some of the most common uses for dogwood include landscaping, woodworking, edible fruit production, medicine, dye making, wildlife habitat, cut flowers, and culinary purposes. This article will provide an overview of these key uses of the versatile dogwood tree.
Landscaping
Dogwood trees are a popular ornamental tree used widely in landscaping. There are many cultivars available that provide year-round interest with their flowers, foliage, bark, and form (Dogwood Landscaping). In spring, dogwoods bloom with showy white, pink, or red bracts surrounding the small greenish-yellow flower buds. The bracts often last for several weeks. In summer, the lush green foliage provides shade. In fall, the leaves turn attractive shades of red, purple, and orange before dropping. Even in winter, the reddish-brown bark provides visual interest.
The relatively small size of dogwood trees, usually under 30 feet tall, makes them suitable for use in residential yards and urban gardens. Their rounded form and horizontal branching pattern gives them a graceful, elegant look. Dogwoods grow well in partial shade or dappled sunlight. They prefer moist, acidic, well-drained soil. With proper siting and care, dogwood trees can provide beauty to the landscape throughout all four seasons.
Woodworking
Dogwood is frequently used for woodworking projects because of its dense, fine-grained wood. The high density and tight grain make it suitable for items that require strength and durability like tool handles and musical instruments. Historically, dogwood was commonly used for making shafts, spokes, and other parts for wagons and carriages (1).
Today, woodworkers value dogwood for its hardness and shock resistance. It is often used to make mallets, tool handles, weaver’s shuttles, golf club heads, and other objects that need to withstand impacts. The fine, straight grain also makes dogwood ideal for turning on a lathe. Woodturners use it to create bowls, goblets, candlesticks, and other decorative items (2).
While dogwood can be difficult to work with because of its density, the wood produces excellent results when worked slowly with sharp tools. The smooth finish left by fine sanding has a slight satin sheen. Dogwood takes finishes well, allowing the fine grain patterns to stand out (3). Overall, its hardness, durability, and attractive grain make dogwood a unique and useful species for woodworking projects.
Edible Fruit
Some species of dogwood, such as Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa), produce edible fruit that can be eaten raw or used for making jams, jellies, and wine. According to the University of Pennsylvania, the red fruits produced by Kousa dogwood are sweet and delicious, with a similar texture to lychee fruits.
The Philadelphia Orchard Project notes that dogwood fruits are high in anthocyanins, which act as antioxidants in the body. The fruits can be eaten raw when ripe or used in recipes for jams, jellies, syrups, and wine.
While the native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) produces red berries, these are mildly toxic to humans and not recommended for consumption. Only certain species like Kousa dogwood produce edible, delicious fruits that can be safely eaten and enjoyed in cooking.
Medicinal Uses
The bark of the dogwood tree has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. According to RxList, the bark was used by Native Americans to treat headaches, fever, and ongoing diarrhea. It was also used to increase strength and stimulate appetite (RxList). WebMD notes that while not as commonly used today, the bark is still sometimes utilized to treat wounds, muscle cramps, and coughs (WebMD).
Modern research indicates that dogwood bark contains compounds like cornin, which may have anti-malarial properties. Other chemicals in the bark show promise for treating drug-resistant cancers. Additional studies are needed to fully understand the potential medicinal benefits of dogwood bark and how it might be applied in contemporary medicine (Sustain To Life).
Dye Production
The bark of the dogwood tree can be used to produce a reddish dye. This dye has been used for centuries to add color to textiles. According to thedogwooddyer.com, dogwood bark contains tannins and anthraquinones which can produce reddish and brown natural dyes when extracted from the bark. The website thedogwooddyer.com shows examples of using dogwood bark to dye wool and other fibers in rich red and brown hues.
To extract the dye, the inner bark is boiled in water to release the dye compounds. Different mordants like iron or tin can be used in conjunction with dogwood bark to produce different shades. According to wendyfe.wordpress.com, dogwood bark works well for both cellulose fibers like cotton and protein fibers like wool when combined with an appropriate mordant.
Overall, dogwood bark has been a historically significant natural dye source. With its rich reddish hues, it creates an attractive alternative to synthetic dyes.
Wildlife Habitat
Dogwood trees provide excellent habitat and food for wildlife. The dense foliage provides shelter and nesting sites for birds like woodpeckers, mockingbirds, robins, and sparrows ([1]). Squirrels, chipmunks, and deer also browse on the twigs and foliage ([2]). The flowers produce nectar that attracts butterflies and bees in the spring ([3]). The fruits are eaten by over 36 bird species including cardinals, woodpeckers, bobwhite quail, and wild turkey ([2]). Planting dogwood trees helps support local ecosystems by providing year-round food and habitat for wildlife.
[1] “Flowering Dogwood.” USDA Plants Database, plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_cofl2.pdf.
[2] “Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida).” Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/dgwd/.
[3] “Planting Dogwood Trees for Wildlife.” Realtree, 28 Mar. 2018, realtree.com/all/articles/dogwood-a-prime-winter-food-source.
Cut Flowers
Dogwood trees produce showy flower bracts in late spring that have become popular as cut flowers for bouquets and flower arrangements. The flowering bracts are extremely eye-catching with their white, pink, or red coloration. Dogwood bracts are known for having a unique notched shape that florists find appealing.
According to the site Fabulous Florals, dogwood branches are a trendy base and accent for wedding bouquets, centerpieces, arches, and other wedding decor due to their attractive flowering bracts[1]. As a cut flower, dogwood bracts should have their woody stems cut on an angle before being placed in water to maximize water uptake. The bracts can last up to two weeks in a vase with proper care[2].
Culinary Uses
The leaves of the dogwood tree have some interesting culinary applications. Many cultures have used dogwood leaves as a wrapper or lining when steaming foods such as tamales or fish.[https://www.binkysculinarycarnival.com/dogwood-jelly/] The leaves add thickness and protect the food from burning. Some Native American tribes also used dogwood leaves to line baking pits for roots and breads.
The fruits of the dogwood are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and even wine. The Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) produces a red, berry-like fruit that has a sweet yet slightly acidic taste. These dogwood berries can be eaten fresh or used in desserts and drinks.[https://specialtyproduce.com/produce/Kousa_Dogwood_Berries_18370.php] They contain vitamin C and other antioxidants. The fruits of the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) are also edible when ripe.
Dogwood sap can make a passable chewing gum. Native Americans used dogwood sap as a sweet treat for children. The inner bark was even dried and ground into flour. So while not a mainstream culinary ingredient, dogwood trees offer some unique edible options.
Conclusion
To recap, some of the most significant uses for dogwood plants include landscaping, woodworking, edible fruit production, herbal and medicinal remedies, dye making, cut flowers, and culinary ingredients. For landscaping, dogwood species like Cornus florida are prized for their showy spring blooms and vibrant fall foliage. The hard, dense wood of dogwood trees is well-suited for small woodworking and carving projects. The berries of Cornus species can be eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies, while the bark has traditional medicinal uses. Dogwoods also produce flowers that can be used for making natural dyes. When foraging for edible or medicinal uses, it’s important to correctly identify dogwood species to avoid toxicity. With proper care and harvesting, dogwoods can be a versatile and beautiful addition to gardens and woodlands.