Flowering Dogwood

Flowering dogwood is a deciduous understory tree native to much of the eastern United States. Its spring display comes from showy bracts around small central flowers, followed by red fruit and reddish-purple autumn foliage. ## Form and seasonal interest Mature trees are commonly 20–40 feet tall and about 20 feet wide, with a broad, rounded outline. Typical bracts are white, summer leaves are dark green, and fall foliage turns reddish-purple. Red fruit ripens in summer and is used by songbirds. [The Morton Arboretum](https://mortonarb.org/plant-and-protect/trees-and-plants/flowering-dogwood/) ## Siting Plant in sun to shade, ideally in acidic, moist, well-drained soil. Flowering dogwood is sensitive to drought and poorly drained conditions, so avoid sites that remain waterlogged or become very dry. A woodland edge or protected garden suits its understory habit. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry spells. Apply light mulch to moderate soil temperature around its shallow roots, keeping mulch off the trunk. Kew accepts Cornus florida in the dogwood family, Cornaceae. [Kew Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn%3Alsid%3Aipni.org%3Anames%3A271574-1/general-information).