Cornus florida
Flowering dogwoods are small, deciduous trees known for their large white blooms in the spring and vibrant red fruits in the fall.
Location
Two flowering dogwoods can be found in the Arboretum nestled between the East-West Trail and Lovell Street.
History at Hadwen
Flowering dogwood has maintained a consistent presence in the Hadwen Arboretum, with evidence of their initial planting by Hadwen recorded in 1882. Subsequent records from the 1970s confirm the continued existence of flowering dogwood in the arboretum, and they persist in the landscape to this day.
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Detailed Species Information
The flowering dogwood is a deciduous tree in the family Cornaceae, prevalent throughout the eastern United States. A small tree, it typically reaches a height of 30 feet (9 meters). The rich green leaves are almond-shaped, oppositely arranged on the stem, and exhibit prominent venation. Its namesake flowers consist of a round clump of small green petals surrounded by four large, white petal-like bracts, emerging in early spring. The fruits are a cluster of red drupes that ripen at the end of summer or early fall.
Flowering dogwoods are commonly found along the edges of forests and ridges. They thrive in moist and acidic soil but are sensitive to intense heat. The fruits produced by this tree serve as a crucial food source for many birds and host the larvae of numerous insects, particularly moths. The flowering dogwood is extensively cultivated as an ornamental in temperate areas, valued for its beautiful leaves and flowers. Numerous cultivars have been developed, selecting for various aspects of flower size, coloration, and even pathogen resistance.