Dogwood Tree Facts

Dogwood tree belongs to the group of deciduous trees. Some species belong to the group of shrubs while some species are evergreen. Flowering dogwood tree always attracts the viewers by its magnificent display of flowers. The tree is the state tree of Missouri, while dogwood flower is the state flower of Virginia and North Carolina.

Interesting Dogwood Tree Facts

• The dogwood tree belongs to the family Cornaceae and the scientific name of the flowering dogwood tree is Cornus florida. This is quite common in North America. It is an ornamental tree which is also known as 'Hound's Tree'.
• The fruits are known as dogberries or houndberries. Fruits obtained from some species of dogwood are eaten, but they do not have delicious flavor.
• Wood obtained from the tree is quite hard and strong and so is used to make different types of tools, walking canes, loom shuttles, etc.
• Dogwood flowers are very attractive. The beauty of these yellow, pink or white flower clusters covering the tree branches cannot be expressed in words. Those who are fond of flowering trees, should plant a dogwood tree in their garden.
• The height of the tree varies according to the cultivar. Usually it grows up to a height of 30-35 feet. Being an ornamental tree for landscaping, it is usually planted in the front yard of the house.
• During spring, the tree gets covered with clusters of yellow, white, pink or red flowers. The tree remains covered with flowers for at least 2-3 weeks.
• Flowering dogwood tree facts inform us that the tree lives up to 80 years. Thus, you can enjoy the visual treat for about 80 years!
• During summer, when the flowering is over, the tree gets covered with attractive bright green foliage. In autumn, shiny red fruits attract birds towards the tree. Leaves of the tree turn red and purple in fall.
• Pagoda dogwood, Cherokee Chief, Flowering dogwood, Carnelian Cherry, Japanese dogwood, Pacific dogwood are some common varieties of dogwood.
• The tree requires well dug, well drained soil. Applying mulch once every year is essential to make the soil rich in nutrients.
• Dogwood tree care involves providing lime, fertilizer and organic compost to the tree, watering the tree regularly. Timely pruning is required to avoid diseases and insect-infestations.
• Appearance of white dogwood flowers indicates arrival of spring. The tree is among the first to bloom.
• You may plant the tree as a background tree in landscaping. You may drink the extract or the tea made from the bark of the tree for breaking fever. The tree bark is used to treat mange. Extracts are also used to treat malaria.
• In the Victorian Era, young men used to present dogwood flowers to unmarried women to convey affection. If the woman kept the flower, it was considered a sign of mutual interest! Women who wanted to convey indifference, used to return the flower!
• One of the interesting dogwood tree facts for kids is that the cross used to crucify Jesus Christ was made from the wood of the flowering dogwood. It is believed that Jesus made the tree dwarf after the crucifixion. Twisted branches of the tree remind turning of the tree into a dwarf one by Jesus!
• Dogwood inflorescence represents the crucifixion as it consists of four cross shaped bracts. It is believed that each bract represents the corners of the cross and the red stamen symbolizes the crown of thorn that Jesus wore.

Dogwoods are popular for their stunning spring display. I am sure, after reading dogwood tree facts, you are going to bring home a dogwood sapling as early as possible. Growing dogwood is quite inexpensive and easy.