Cornus florida , the inflorescence dogwood tree , is aboriginal to easterly North America and northern Mexico . It is a member of thedogwood family , which includes several other species of dogwoods . It is also related to the dim tupelo . The tree diagram has a superimposed ramify structure , with several twigs come up from the same point on a branchlet . The leave of the Flowering Dogwood turn a spectacular red in the dusk before dropping . Often used as a specimen tree in lawns , parkland , and gardens .

Dogwood tree diagram grow and blossom over most of the eastern half of the United States and along the Pacific Coast . They thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 2 through 9 . It can survive in temperatures as low as -20 ° F ( -29 ° light speed ) . Under ideal conditions , the trees can reach a height of around 30 understructure , with multilayered branch that can spread out to about 20 feet , full of dogwood flower in - time of year . It is a fast - growing , abruptly - lived tree . In nature , the cornel is an understory Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , so it does honorable in part or filtered sun .

The flower of this Dogwood are quite unique . While many people mistake the big , jazzy bract for the flowers , the genuine flowers are actually small and greenish - yellowness in color . They are surrounded by four large , clean , petal - like bracts , which are often mistaken for petal . Depending on location , dogwood tree efflorescence may arrive in March , April or May for about two weeks . When cross-pollinate , the flowers produce red berry in the drop . These fruits are not considered edible for humans , but they are an important nutrient source for wildlife , include birds and small mammals .

The leave are quite pocket-size . They are ellipse - shaped and appear along the branches of the tree diagram after the flowers have bloom . Throughout the summertime , the leaves of this tree diagram are bright , mid - immature , and they take on an intense wraith of loss in the fall before drop off to the terra firma . When the tree is youthful , the bark is smooth , but as it years , the bark breaks up into little second power , giving the trunk the appearance of being covered in scale .

The Flowering Dogwood grows at a moderate rate , with an annual growth pace of about 1 to 2 feet . It is a relatively short - lived tree . It lives for 30 to 40 yr , although some specimen can live up to 80 years or more under idealistic conditions . The lifespan can be influenced by various factors , such soil quality , disease and blighter pressure , and environmental conditions .

Less coarse name for   Cornus florida   includeAmerican cornel , Florida dogwood tree , Native American arrowwood , Cornelian tree , white cornel , livid dogwood , delusive box , andfalse boxwood .

Interesting fact About Flowering Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood is that it is the state tree and flower of Virginia , the state tree of Missouri , and land bloom of North Carolina . The cornel , daisy and fire azalea were all considered for North Carolina ’s official flower in the late thirties , but the commonwealth law-makers ultimately pick out the dogwood tree , passing a bill depute it as the official DoS flower in March 1941 .

Virginia delegate the cornel as its state flower in 1918 . Thomas Jefferson planted cornel on his Monticello estate of the realm in the 1770s , and the state legislature hop distinguish the dogwood as the prescribed Department of State efflorescence would excite interestingness in the state ’s account and traditions .

In 2012 , the United States sent 3,000 dogwood saplings to Japan to commemorate the 100th day of remembrance of the Washington , D.C. , cerise trees give as a gift to the U.S. by Japan in 1912 .

Christian legend associate dogwood efflorescence with Jesus ’ crucifixion . The blooms are thought to be shaped like the cross on which Jesus was crucified , and to represent a reminder of Christ ’s suffering and Christ’s Resurrection .

florescence cornel attains its greatest size and growth potential in the Upper South , sometimes up to 40 foot in height . At the northern remnant of its stove , tiptop of 30–33 foot are more distinctive . Hot , humid summertime weather is necessary for newfangled growth to inure off in the fall .

Flowering dogwood tree is grown widely throughout the   temperate   earthly concern .

Key Characteristics

grow precondition

Care and Maintenance

Selected Cultivars