The White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small, deciduous tree known for its showy white spring flowers (actually bracts) and vibrant fall foliage. It's a popular choice for landscapes due to its year-round interest, including red berries that attract birds in the fall.
White Flowering Dogwood
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Flowers:
The "flowers" are actually white bracts, which are modified leaves that surround the true flowers. They appear in early spring before the leaves emerge, creating a striking display. -
Leaves:
The leaves are dark green in the summer, turning a brilliant reddish-purple in the fall, providing a second season of vibrant color. -
Fruit:
In the fall, the tree produces glossy red berries that are attractive to birds. -
Size:
It's a relatively small tree, typically growing 15-30 feet tall, making it suitable for a variety of landscapes. - Sunlight: Dogwoods prefer partial shade or filtered sun, but can tolerate full sun if conditions are right.
- Soil: They thrive in well-drained, slightly acidic soil.
- Water: Dogwoods are not drought-tolerant and prefer consistent moisture.
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Wildlife:
The berries and foliage provide food and shelter for various wildlife, including birds and butterflies. -
Uses:
It's a popular choice for specimen trees, woodland gardens, and bird gardens.
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