Cornus Florida

Flowering Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus florida

Overview
A classic flowering dogwood prized for its showy white or pink spring bracts that appear before or as the leaves emerge. Blooming in mid-spring, it creates one of the most recognizable ornamental displays in eastern landscapes. Rich green summer foliage transitions to red, burgundy, or purple fall color, followed by bright red fruit. Its horizontal branching and layered form provide year-round architectural interest.

Size



Width: 20–30 ft



Height: 20–30 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 5a–9b



Light



Partial shade preferred



Morning sun with afternoon shade ideal



Tolerates full sun in cooler climates with adequate moisture



Soil



Well-drained soils; prefers moist, organic-rich loam



Slightly acidic pH preferred



Avoid compacted or poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (spring flowers)



Birds (red fall fruit)



Suitable Conditions



Performs best in cool to moderate climates



Excellent understory or woodland-edge tree



Allow space for horizontal branching and natural spread



Notes



Shape: Horizontal, layered branching with rounded canopy



Native to eastern North America



Susceptible to dogwood anthracnose in stressed conditions



Excellent specimen tree for lawns, woodland gardens, and naturalized areas



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or deadwood

Plant type

Deciduous Tree, Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-25'

Width

15-25'

Hardiness zones

5–9

Sunlight

Part shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Green

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Rounded, Upright

Bark

Fissured

Drought tolerant

No