Cornus florida, commonly known as Flowering Dogwood, a captivating deciduous tree prized for its elegant form, showy flowers, and vibrant fall foliage.
General Plant Information:
•Botanical Name: Cornus florida
•Common Name: Flowering Dogwood
•Native Range: Indigenous to eastern North America, including Florida, Flowering Dogwood thrives in a variety of habitats, from woodlands and forests to urban landscapes and gardens.
•Habitat: Preferring moist, well-drained soils, Cornus florida can be found in both upland and bottomland forests, where it adds beauty and ecological value to the natural landscape.
•Size: This small to medium-sized tree typically reaches heights of 15 to 30 feet, with a spreading canopy and horizontal branching pattern that adds grace and charm to the tree’s silhouette.
•Flowering Season: Blooming in early spring, Flowering Dogwood produces clusters of small, four-petaled flowers in shades of white, pink, or red, creating a spectacular display of color and attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies to the garden.
Foliage and Fall Color:
•Foliage: Flowering Dogwood features oval-shaped leaves with prominent veins that turn shades of red, orange, and purple in the fall, adding a vibrant splash of autumn color to North Florida’s woodlands and landscapes.
Fruit:
•Berries: After flowering, Cornus florida produces clusters of glossy red berries that persist into the fall and are highly valued by wildlife, including birds and small mammals, making it an important food source in Florida’s ecosystems.
Maintenance:
•Sunlight: Thriving in partial shade to full sun, Flowering Dogwood adapts well to a range of light conditions, making it suitable for various garden and landscape settings.
•Watering: While tolerant of drought once established, regular watering during dry spells encourages optimal growth and flowering, especially during the establishment period.
•Pruning: Light pruning may be required to shape the tree and remove dead or diseased branches, promoting overall health and vigor.
Ecological Significance:
•Wildlife Habitat: Flowering Dogwood provides habitat and food for a variety of wildlife species, including birds, mammals, and insects, enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem resilience in North Florida’s natural habitats.
•Soil Stabilization: With its shallow root system and spreading canopy, Cornus florida helps stabilize soils and prevent erosion, making it a valuable addition to woodland edges and urban landscapes.
•Aesthetic Value: Flowering Dogwood is highly valued for its ornamental beauty, serving as a focal point in garden landscapes and adding seasonal interest with its showy flowers, colorful foliage, and decorative berries.