Unique Features of Dogwood Trees
One of the most notable features of dogwood trees are their showy spring flowers (Facts.net, 2023). Most dogwood species produce bracts, which are modified leaf-like structures that surround the tiny actual flowers. These bracts come in vibrant colors like white, pink, and red depending on the species. They bloom in spring, often before the leaves emerge, creating a spectacular floral display.
Another unique quality of dogwoods is their fruit. The flowers give way to clusters of red berries in the fall (The Tree Center, 2023). These vibrant berries provide a pop of color to the landscape later in the year. Many species have berries that are edible to wildlife.
Dogwood trees also have striking bark that makes them stand out. The bark starts out smooth and progresses to scaly plated as the tree matures. Some species like Cornus controversa have beautifully patterned bark in hues of gray, green, and tan (The Tree Center, 2015). The eye-catching bark provides year-round interest.
Types of Dogwood Trees
There are over 50 species of dogwood trees, but some of the most popular garden varieties include:
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) – Native to eastern North America, this medium-sized tree produces showy white or pink bracts in spring. It is the state tree of North Carolina and Virginia. [1]
Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) – Native to China and Japan, this small tree has white or pink bracts that appear about a month after native flowering dogwoods. It is very disease resistant. [1]
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) – Native to Europe, this small tree or large shrub produces yellow flowers in late winter and edible red fruit. [2]
Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) – Native to western North America, this tree has larger white bracts than flowering dogwood. It prefers moist, coastal habitats. [1]
Ideal Growing Conditions for Dogwood Trees
Dogwood trees thrive best in certain conditions when it comes to climate, soil, sunlight and moisture.
Most dogwood species grow best in zones 5-9 according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The zones indicate the average annual minimum winter temperatures that the trees can withstand. Some species like Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) can even grow in zone 3.
Dogwoods prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Adding compost can help improve nutrient deficient soils. The soil should have good moisture retention but not be waterlogged. Dogwood trees do not do well in very wet or compacted clay soils (Dogwood Care – USANPN).
Dogwoods grow best with partial sun or dappled shade, usually getting about 4-6 hours of sun daily. Too much direct hot sunlight can scorch the leaves. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal.
These trees need about 1-2 inches of water weekly from rain or irrigation. Watering should be done deeply and infrequently rather than frequent light watering. Mulching helps retain soil moisture. Drought stress can make trees more prone to borer damage.
Pests and Diseases
Dogwood trees are susceptible to a few common pests and diseases. The most notable are:
Anthracnose
This fungal disease is caused by the pathogen Discula destructiva. It primarily affects the leaves, twigs, and trunk of dogwood trees. Infected leaves develop tan spots with purple borders that can cover the entire leaf. Dieback of twigs and branches also occurs. Preventative fungicide sprays can help protect trees (UMD Extension).
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe pulchra. It coats leaves, flowers, and shoots with a white powdery coating. Heavy infections can cause leaf curling, stunting, and dieback. Good air circulation and preventative fungicides help reduce disease impact (Penn State Extension).
Borers
Flatheaded appletree borers, dogwood borers, and lilac borers are beetle larvae that can bore into the trunks and branches of dogwood trees. Keep trees healthy and avoid wounding the bark to deter borers. Pesticides or injecting insecticides into holes may be needed for heavy infestations (Clemson HGIC).
Pruning and Care
Proper pruning is important for maintaining the health and shape of dogwood trees. The best time to prune dogwoods is in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches first using clean, sterilized pruners. Then selectively thin inner branches to promote air circulation and light penetration into the canopy. According to Hawk’s Landscape, removing two or three of the largest older branches down to the ground helps rejuvenate older trees.
Fertilizing dogwoods each spring will keep them healthy and flowering. Use an acidic fertilizer formulated specifically for azaleas and dogwoods, like a 10-10-10 or 12-4-8 fertilizer. Apply fertilizer when new growth appears in spring and water it in well. Plant Me Green recommends a light application of extended-release fertilizer once frost has passed. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause leaf scorch.
Propagation
Dogwood trees can be propagated in several ways, including from seed, cuttings, grafting, and layering. Propagation from seed requires a process called stratification, which mimics the winter conditions seeds need to break dormancy and germinate. Seeds should first be cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours. Then they are placed between layers of moist peat or sand in a plastic bag and refrigerated for 90-120 days at 35-41°F. The seed then needs a warm period of 60-70°F for another 60-90 days before it is ready to be planted. Seeds started indoors need light to germinate [1].
Propagating dogwood from cuttings is a common method. Softwood cuttings should be taken in spring when new growth emerges. Cut a 4-6 inch section off the stem just below a leaf node. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in a pot filled with perlite, sand or potting mix. Keep the soil moist and provide bright, indirect light. Roots should develop in 6-8 weeks. Semi-hardwood cuttings can also be taken in summer. Take 3-5 inch cuttings and treat them the same way [2].
Grafting dogwood is done by budding or bench grafting in early spring. A healthy scion is joined to disease-resistant rootstock. Bench grafting joins the scion and stock at a 45 degree angle with the cambium layers aligned. The graft union is then wrapped and waxed. Budding grafts the scion bud to the rootstock. In summer, a T-shaped cut is made through bark so the bud fits snugly underneath. The bud is then wrapped with grafting tape [3].
Landscape Uses
Dogwood trees are highly valued for their ornamental qualities and ability to enhance landscapes. They serve a variety of purposes depending on the setting and design goals. Some popular landscape uses for dogwood trees include:
Specimen: Dogwoods make excellent specimen trees, meaning they can stand alone as focal points in the landscape. Their blossoms and foliage provide striking visual interest. They are often used as standalone accent trees in lawns, entryways, or other open areas.
Borders: The smaller varieties of dogwood like Cornus kousa work well planted in groups along borders and property lines. They create an attractive natural hedge or screen.
Woodland gardens: Dogwood naturally grows as an understory tree in wooded areas. They thrive when planted in partly shady spots and help create a woodland aesthetic. Dogwoods blend well with other shade-loving plants.
In summary, dogwoods boast four-season appeal that allows them to shine in diverse garden settings. Their modest size makes them suitable for many residential landscapes. With proper placement, dogwoods can elevate the beauty of any outdoor space.
Dogwood Symbolism
The dogwood tree holds deep symbolic meaning in various cultures and religions. In Christianity, the dogwood is known as the tree that provided the wood for Jesus Christ’s cross. According to legend, the dogwood was once a mighty tree but was reduced in size as a form of penance for being used as the crucifixion material. The four petals of the dogwood flower are said to represent the cross, and the red markings symbolize the blood of Christ (Source).
Beyond Christianity, the dogwood also symbolizes protection, hidden wisdom, and magic in some pagan belief systems. The Greek goddess Hecate, associated with witchcraft, is said to claim the dogwood as her sacred tree (Source).
On a state level, the dogwood holds official tree status in Virginia and Missouri. In Virginia, the white flowering dogwood was adopted as the state tree and state flower in 1956. Missouri also declared the flowering dogwood its state tree in 1955 (Source).
Dogwood Wood Uses
Dogwood has historically been valued as a versatile hardwood for woodworking. The fine-grained, dense wood has excellent shock resistance and polishes to a smooth finish, making it ideal for creating durable objects subject to regular use (Source).
Furniture makers often incorporate dogwood into pieces like chairs, tables, and cabinets. The attractive reddish-brown coloration and ability to take an excellent polish make dogwood a desirable choice for accent woods. Turners also frequently use dogwood for creating bowls, spindles, and other lathe-turned objects.
The strength and shock resistance of dogwood make it a preferred material for tool handles like hammers, chisels, and screwdrivers. Musical instrument makers also utilize dogwood for items like piano keys, violin bows, guitar neck overlays, and drumsticks.
In addition to furniture, lathe objects, tool handles, and musical instruments, dogwood has traditionally been used for items like shuttles for textile production, bowling pins, golf club heads, and archery bows (Source). The toughness, hardness, and ability to absorb shock and vibration make it well-suited for these applications.
Interesting Facts
The state tree of Virginia and state flower of North Carolina and Missouri, the dogwood holds a beloved spot in American culture and folklore. There are some fascinating legends and facts surrounding this iconic tree.
The Cherokee tribes revered dogwood trees and saw the cross-shaped flowers as a sign of divine presence. According to legend, the dogwood was once a tall and mighty tree similar to an oak. When Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion, the dogwood was distressed to learn it could be used for the cross on which Jesus would suffer. The tree volunteered to be the cross, but Jesus sensed the sadness of the dogwood and promised it would never again grow large enough to be used for the purpose. From that day on, the dogwood was reduced to a small, slender tree with a cross-shaped blossom. A reminder of its unwavering devotion. [1]
While loved for its beauty, the flowering dogwood faces major threats from disease. Dogwood anthracnose is a fungal disease spread by cool, wet conditions that can be lethal to dogwoods. First reported in the 1970s, anthracnose has decimated native populations across North America. Researchers are working to breed disease-resistant cultivars to protect the future of this treasured native tree. [2]