Description
Cornus florida (flowering dogwood) is a species of flowering plant in the family Cornaceae native to eastern North America and northern Mexico.
Easily grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Prefers moist, organically rich, acidic soils in part shade. Benefits from a 2-4, mulch which will help keep roots cool and moist in summer.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | flowering dogwood |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 15.00 to 30.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | White |
| Bloom Time | April to May |
| Difficulty Level | easy to grow |
Planting and care
Cornus florida care
In their natural habitat, dogwoods are understory trees, which are generally surrounded or protected by other larger trees. Therefore, when caring for dogwood trees, this should be considered carefully before placement in the landscape.
Locating these trees on the edge of wooded areas or in groups is oftentimes more suitable to their natural surroundings. They can also be used as a backdrop for azaleas or other spring-flowering shrubs.
| Sunlight | Full sun to part shade |
| Watering | Medium |
| Soil | well-drained soil |
| Temperature | -25c |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Cornus florida uses
Ornamental Use:
- Popular as a specimen or small grouping on residential property around homes, near patios or in lawns
- Also effective in woodland, bird or native plant gardens
Medicinal Use:
- Dogwood bark is best used as an ointment for ague, malaria (substitute for quinine), fever, pneumonia, colds, and similar complaints
- Used for diarrhea
- Externally, poulticed onto external ulcers and sores
- Twigs used as chewing sticks, forerunners of the toothpick
- It was sometimes used as a substitute when Peruvian bark could not be obtained
Culinary Use:
- Cilantro is an attractive herb with lacy foliage and tiny flowers held in
- Egypt, Greece and Rome for culinary uses, and is one of the oldest spices