Cornus florida

Flowering Dogwood

Family: Cornaceae

Native region: Eastern US and Central/Eastern Canada

Plant Community: Oak Hickory

Size: 15-30′ tall and wide

Hardiness Zone: 5-9

Habitat: Found in forest edges, forests, woodlands, abandoned farmlands. Grows best in average, dry-moist to moist soil in full sun to part shade. Prefers acidic soil, but also tolerates clay soil. Performs best with a layer of mulch to maintain soil moisture and temperature.

Leaf: Dark green in the summer, transitioning to red in the fall.

Flowers: White bracts with small green flowers and bright red fruits. Flowers bloom in April to May.

Ecosystem services: Works well in moist acidic soil conditions, but also serves as a soil improver because its leaves decompose at a faster rate than other species, leading to more rapid soil production. This makes it a good choice for areas of restoration, like nutrient drained forests, old mines, and other disturbed sites.