Dogwood (Cornus florida) shrubs and trees offer a spectacle of incomparable beauty in all four seasons. The primary attraction is the appearance of showy pink or white flowers that herald spring. Simple in its care, the dogwood thrives in the local landscape with no problems and grows quickly.
Flowering dogwoods are perennial species of woody plants of the Cornus genus. There are 17 varieties of dogwood[1] that are native to North America. However, just 4 of them are popularly cultivated: Kousa Dogwood, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, and Pacific Dogwood.
Typically, the trees can reach a height of up to 20 feet tall. The opposite leaves of this plant are simple, ovate to oval, 3 to 6 inches in length, and half wide with smooth margins.
The tiny flower clusters are enclosed by 4 striking petal-shaped bracts that turn white as they develop. The total width of each flower display varies from 3 to 5 inches in diameter.
Dogwood flowers are usually white, but some varieties produce pink, pale red, or yellow flowers. Although the dogwood tree is relatively small, its magnificent year-round beauty makes a great impression on the home garden.
