Dogwoods: A Tale of 3 Seasons

What is a Dogwood tree?

     Dogwoods, aka Flowering Dogwoods (cornus Florida in Latin), are highly revered trees that are native to the United States and are valued for their spring flowers (which aren’t exactly flowers as you’ll learn) and are highly visible that time of the year in landscapes, but more preferably on the edge of woodlines and forests. They are some of the very few trees that have alternating branches akin to maples, ash trees and horse chestnuts. Most trees have opposite branching, not to get too technical or boring for you.

When do Dogwoods flower? (Spring)

     Dogwoods flower in spring, and depending on the variety, and there are several new ones, they can flower fairly early through late spring. My dogwood is a newer variety for instance and it blooms in mid to late May. By the way, we are not talking about Japanese Dogwoods (cornus Kousa) in this article. We can talk about Kousas at a different time. These “flowers” can be white, pink or even red. But those colored leaves are NOT the flowers. They are called bracts. The four sections are there to attract pollinators to the center of the inflorescence which is the actual flower of a Dogwood. Think of poinsettias. Those red, white or pink leaves are not the flower, they too are bracts there to attract pollinators to the center or actual flower.

White bracts surrounding yellow flowers

Is there anything else we should show interest in Dogwoods for? (Fall)

     Absolutely! They are never really thought of as a good or in face great fall foliage plant, but they are! The russet-red to maroon color of the leaves is absolutely beautiful, and for a small tree, they show off really well. Maybe it’s because they are considered small trees that they aren’t considered for the fall. In fact, as early as August, the leaves start they turn from green to red, so my advice is, give them a chance.

Red Fall Foliage

Do Dogwoods have issues? (Summer)

     Yes, they do. Diseases such an anthracnose and powdery mildew attack them fairly often, so you need to keep an eye on the weather. Organically, my company sprays organic fungicide often to suppress anthracnose which can be deadly, unlike powdery mildew which is more unsightly than anything else. Insects such as Dogwood Scale can also attack the trees, and that is VERY serious if not attended to. Those disgusting soft-bodied insects suck the life out of plants, so be very vigilant. If you see purple on the leaves or ground below, you’ve got scale.

Anthracnose on leaves

Dogwood Scale

Anything else?

     Well, Dogwoods are relished landscape trees, but most people don’t plant them where they should be planted. Dogwoods like partial shade or dappled sunlight. They do not like full sun at all and these problems above will happen more often with stressed trees. If you look in the wild, you’ll see them growing on the edge of the woods under larger shade trees. Nature knows, many landscapers don’t. Check with the nursery if needed to figure out where is best to plant.

*** Plant Health Organics is a 100% Organic land care company serving Central NJ and Bucks County PA. We are PROUD of the work we do and know full well that what we do is BEST for you and our world. Contact us at 908-335-0553.***          

-Joe Gentile, Owner Plant Health Organics, LLC

 With offices in Frenchtown and Monmouth County, NJ