The dogwood flower, which is actually the petal-like bracts, is the state flower of North Carolina, and the tree is found throughout the state, usually growing under larger forest trees and at woodland edges. This tree is quite tolerant to heat once established and has a low flammability rating. Propagate flowering dogwood by seed or stem cutting.ĭogwood’s true flowers are visited by butterflies and specialized bees, and its red fruits are a food source for songbirds and other wildlife from fall through winter. A 2 to 4-inch layer of mulch will help keep the roots cool and moist in hot summers. Plant in well-drained soil that is high in organic matter and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Locate flowering dogwood in a site that receives full sun to partial shade, though in the peidmont and along the coast it may need more shade, especially in the afternoon. It is commonly found growing in woodland margins. The genus name comes from the Latin word for horn, cornu, most likely in reference to the tree’s hard, dense wood.įlowering dogwood can be a tricky plant to grow in a landscape setting. It is native from southeastern Canada to eastern North America to eastern Mexico. Phonetic Spelling KOR-nus FLOR-ih-dah Descriptionįlowering dogwood is a woody, deciduous, flowering understory tree in the Cornaceae (dogwood) family that may grow 15 to 25 feet tall.

Cherokee brave dogwood photo