It has also become naturalized in the state of New York. During the Victorian Era, men were testing affection of unmarried women using the dogwood blossoms. The leaves of the dogwood tree have a length between 2 and 5 inches. This is unlikely considering the typical size of a dogwood tree. Among the many species of flowering trees you might choose to liven up your property, the dogwood family contains some of the most attractive. In the Midwest, this is a hardier substitute for the acid-loving flowering dogwood. This allows it to self-pollinate and means it can produce seeds on its own. A picture of some wild growing dogwood trees. Copyright © 2020 Facts Just for Kids. The average diameter of a dogwood tree trunk is 1 foot. Dogwood plays important role in traditional Chinese medicine where it is used in treatment of dizziness, weakness, pain in the knees and back, uterine bleeding and excessive sweating. And once you know some facts about dogwood trees, growing and nurturing these handsome trees is a breeze. The flowers of the dogwood tree can be red, pink or white. 'Twas strong and firm, its branches interwoven. Fruit of some species of dogwood are used in human diet. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- Dogwood Tree Facts. dogwood tree dogwood: a tree of shrub of the genus Cornus often having showy bracts resembling flowers; The genus Cornus comprise a group of 30-50 species of mostly deciduous trees and shrubs in the family Cornaceae commonly known as dogwoods. And once you know some facts about dogwoods, growing and nurturing these handsome trees is a breeze. This tree is native to parts of Asia, including China and Japan, and is accordingly also known as Chinese dogwood and Japanese dogwood. People cultivate dogwood in ornamental purposes, as a source of food, medicine and tough, durable wood. Leaves are usually oppositely arranged on the branches. The leaves of the dogwood tree have a width between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. White petals are actually bracts, modified leaves that surround centrally positioned miniature yellowish-green flower heads. Dogwood trees are a favorite ornamental tree of homeowners — thanks to their modest size and four-season appeal. It is a deciduous plant that is most commonly grown as a small tree … Dogwood "berries" can be consumed fresh, or in the form of jams and wines. It grows on fertile, loamy soil in areas that provide enough moisture and shade. Growth The common name for the dogwood tree is the flowering dogwood. Dogwood flowers are not "true" flowers. C. controversa (the wedding cake tree), C. alternifolia (the pagoda dogwood), C. mas (the cornelian cherry) and C. officinalis are also tolerant of a range of soil conditions. God was angry and he transformed this once tall plant into the small tree to prevent similar abuse of wood in the future. There are 30 to 50 species of dogwood that are native to temperate areas of North America and Eurasia. Growth: One of the ornamental trees used for landscaping, flowering dogwood is a small deciduous tree that grows about 30 ft in height, with a crown spread of 35 ft, depending on the cultivator. The tree is the state tree of Missouri, and its flower is the state flower of Virginia and North Carolina. Each flower head consists of 20 to 30 individual flowers. A picture of a row of blooming dogwood trees. Most are deciduous trees or shrubs, but a few species are nearly herbaceous perennial subshrubs, and a few of the woody species are evergreen. The genus Cornus comprise a group of 30 to 50 species of mostly deciduous trees and shrubs in the family Cornaceae commonly known as dogwoods. This dogwood is a great landscape addition near utility lines, next to buildings, or near patios. In early spring, the dogwood produces white or pink petals, and in late spring it has red berries. This large shrub/ medium tree grows to 1… Dogwood Tree Facts. These trees have been grown for centuries for their dense, fine-grained timber and now they’re popular among gardeners too. Written by Fergus Mason. The birds who consume these seeds help disperse them through their feces. All Rights Reserved. Dogwood can grow in the form of bush or small tree. The scientific name for the dogwood tree is Cornus florida. American Dogwood is a small deciduous tree which grows to the height of 10 meters and often wider than it is tall when mature having trunk diameter upto 30 cm. When young, it has a vase-like shape. Dogwood is a type of flowering tree that belongs to the family Cornaceae. Fruit and seed of dogwood represent important source of food for the wild species of birds and mammals. The red fruits are 1/2 inch long and shaped like a football. Facts About White Dogwood Trees. Pagoda Dogwood Information. Some Interesting Facts. Source for information on Dogwood Tree: The Gale Encyclopedia of Science dictionary. Some are herbaceous perennials; a few of the woody species are evergreen. The leaves of the dogwood tree have a width between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. It is quite common in North America. Pagoda dogwood is an excellent native plant for the four season garden. Returned flower was a sign of unrequited love. The dogwood family, or Cornaceae, consists of more than a dozen deciduous trees and shrubs in North America, many of which are used for ornamental purposes because of their attractive flowers. The dogwood tree is a deciduous tree, which means it loses its leaves seasonally. The leaves of the dogwood tree have an ovate shape. The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), a popular landscaping tree, is prized for its showy spring flowers as well as its red fall foliage. Tree blooms during the spring and attracts numerous insects, responsible for the pollination of the flowers. The shallow root system will benefit from a layer of mulch to maintain a cool root environment. Dogwood Tree Facts. The dogwoods are in the genus Cornus, which mostly occur in temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. It is an ornamental tree, and is also known as hound’s tree. Recieve fun facts in your inbox every Monday! It turns a rich red-brown in fall. A picture of a few flowers on a blooming dogwood tree. Fruit of dogwood is botanically known as drupe (stone fruit). Two outstanding characteristics are the four-petaled, white flowers that appear above the foliage in June and reddish-purple fall color. The flowers of the dogwood tree can be red, pink or white. Leaves are simple, opposite, ovate measuring 6-13 cm long and 4-6 cm broad with entire margins. According to the legend, Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross made of dogwood. The average height of a dogwood tree is around 33 feet. Acceptance of the flower was a signal that woman is interested. An old tree will stand about 5 meters tall. Print. Instead they should be looking for arguably the most beautiful of the native American flowering trees, the Flowering dogwood. The dogwood tree contains both male and female reproductive organs. As long as you offer the tree plenty of water and sunshine, like most plants, the Dogwood will do just fine. The dogwood tree contains both male and female reproductive organs. The unique horizontal branching pattern has a distinct tiered habit, often catching snow in the winter. The show begins with pretty four-petal flowers from spring into summer, followed by bright red and orange foliage in the fall. Dogwood, any of the shrubs, trees, or herbs of the genus Cornus, in the dogwood family (Cornaceae), native to Europe, eastern Asia, and North America.The bunchberry (C. canadensis) is a creeping perennial herb. Dogwood Tree Facts Friday, April 28, 2017 By HGTV. Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a large shrub or small tree for a garden or backyard. The origin of the name comes from the smooth, straight twigs which were used to make butchers’ skewers. Wood of dogwood is used in the manufacture of roller skates, tool handles, spools, spindles and golf club heads. Fast Facts About Dogwood Flowers. Gray dogwood is a very adaptable, native shrub that is excellent for naturalizing, especially in difficult sites, such as pond and stream banks. The fruit of the dogwood tree is red to yellowish red. The Appalachian Spring dogwood (Cornus florida ‘Appalachian Spring’) is an outstanding flowering tree that blooms in the Spring on leafless branches.Fans of Japanese gardens, such as the one I used to work at, are often looking for Cherry blooms in Spring. Flowering dogwood (C. florida), a North American species, is widely grown as an ornamental for its showy petallike bracts (modified leaves) under the tiny flowers. Just enter your email address to join. There are 30 to 50 species of dogwood that are native to temperate areas of North America and Eurasia. It grows best in moist soil, and does not handle drought well. It is oval, berry-like, usually brightly colored (red or pink) and filled with one or two seed. The Dogwood Tree is a majestic ornamental, well adapted to life in the United States. Red blooms cover the tree in spring, and reddish-purple leaves as well as glossy red fruit adorn it in the fall. Dogwood Tree Facts. The wood of the dogwood tree is one of the hardest and it is said that it was chosen to make the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen. For more pagoda dogwood information, including tips for pagoda dogwood care, read on. Native Americans used root of dogwood to attract muskrats into the traps. The fruit of the dogwood tree is a popular food source for many different bird species. It rarely exceeds height of 15 to 25 feet. When you're seeking a plant for shady areas (partial, open shade), consider one of the excellent cultivars of pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), such as 'Golden Shadows,' with brightly-colored variegated leaves. It has green leaves that turn red and purple with the fall. Although its suckering, spreading habit makes it impractical for formal plantings, it can be incorporated into the shrub border and useful as a mass planting. Dogwoods are a favorite ornamental tree of homeowners -- thanks to their modest size and four-season appeal. Aptly named, the red dogwood brings a splash of color to the seasons. Botanists recognize two subspecies of the dogwood tree (Cornus florida). Kousa dogwood is an excellent small specimen tree. Dogwood can be found in the evergreen forests or on the edges of deciduous forests. We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. Dogwood can survive from 25 to 30 years under optimal conditions. Dogwood Trees, Facts on the Dogwood Tree Species. Source: 100 years of Farm journal. Aurora dogwood grows to a mature size of 25 feet tall and equally wide. Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species[Note 1] of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a deciduous tree, meaning that it loses its leaves in the winter. Some are herbaceous perennials; a few of the woody species are evergreen. 5 237 Share . There are over 50 species within the Cornus, or Dogwood, genus. Here is some general information on the dogwood tree. Dogwood Tree Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, dogwood trees add beauty to the landscape for most of the year. Tea made of bark can be used in treatment of pain and fever. The leaves of the dogwood tree have a length between 2 and 5 inches. November 14, 2015 . The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. The fruit of the dogwood tree is red to yellowish red. Dogwood produces bisexual flowers (they contain both male and female reproductive organs). Skewers used to … It is also an attractive plant. Dogwood can be found in the evergreen forests or on the edges of deciduous forests. The legend of the dogwood tree, author unknown, is as follows: In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew To a stately size and a lovely hue. Flowers are four petals (white or pink), and cluster. Dogwood is a smaller tree, approximately 30 feet in height and 35 feet in width. The roots and bark of the dogwood tree were used by Native Americans to treat malaria. Dogwood is a type of flowering tree that belongs to the family Cornaceae. The dogwood tree belongs to the family Cornaceae, and its scientific name is Cornus florida. The plant's common name derives from the tiered, pagoda-like shape of the growth habit, and the Latin species name derives from the alternate position of the leaves on the stems. Aurora Dogwood Tree Facts. Bark-free branches of dogwood were used as toothbrushes in the past. Sometimes referred to as the Chinese dogwood, this Asian cousin to our native flowering dogwood can be used as a specimen plant or in shrub borders. The dogwood was among the top choices for America’s National Tree in a nationwide vote hosted by the Arbor Day Foundation, ranking third behind the oak and redwood. Botanical Name: Cornus florida Common Name(s): Flowering Dogwood, Dogwood Height: 20 to 30 feet Bloom Time: Early spring Soil Conditions: Wet, moist, or dry soil conditions Sun: Partial shade Fact: There is a legend that the dogwood was chosen for Christ’s Cross. Sign up for our weekly facts e-mail. This species does, however, go by other names including Chinese dogwood, Japanese dogwood, Japanese flowering dogwood and Japanese strawberry tree. It grows on fertile, loamy soil in areas that provide enough moisture and shade. These species vary wildly, from shrubs to deciduous temperate trees and evergreens. Farmers in the southeastern parts of the USA often wait completion of the blooming of dogwood before they start to plant important crops (especially corn). The white flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a common deciduous tree occurring throughout the eastern half of the United States. The Kousa dogwood is a handsome, small- to medium-sized tree reaching a mature height of 30 feet. Clusters of white flowers show up in spring, dark green foliage turns a beautiful burgundy-red in fall, and blue-black berries attract many birds. The lifespan of a dogwood tree tops out at around 80 years. Bark of dogwood is rich source of bitter-tasting tannins that can be used in treatment of malaria. Depending on the age of the Kousa dogwood, the trees take on a different appearance. The dogwood tree is a small flowering tree species in the Cornus genus. Dogwood tree facts. The Aurora dogwood is a deciduous tree with an upright and pyramid-like shape and dense, spreading branches. Dogwood Tree Anthracnose disease Dogwood refers to certain species of trees and shrubs in the dogwood family (Cornaceae). Dogwood produces simple, green leaves with wavy edges. The pagoda dogwood is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. In 1614, the name changed to “dogwood.” For more dogwood lore, see Dogwood Trees: History, Facts, and Growing Tips. Philadelphia: Countryside Press;, 1976. Flowering Dogwood Tree Facts Description. Are the four-petaled, white flowers that appear above the foliage in the United States durable! 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