The genus Cornus comprise a group of 30 to 50 species of mostly deciduous trees and shrubs in the family Cornaceae commonly known as dogwoods. The flowers of dogwoods contain both the female and male reproductive parts. As long as you offer the tree plenty of water and sunshine, like most plants, the Dogwood will do just fine. Pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a large shrub or small tree for a garden or backyard. It turns a rich red-brown in fall. November 14, 2015 . It has green leaves that turn red and purple with the fall. In addition to being hardy trees, dogwoods have beautiful ‘blossoms’ in spring and beautiful red and purple leaves and red berries in autumn. Dogwood tree facts. The sturdy wood is used in the manufacture of a range of practical items that require a dense and durable material. One of the most intriguing of all dogwood tree facts is that what you see on these beautiful trees are not actually blooms at all, but bracts – a type of leaf. A picture of a row of blooming dogwood trees. The tree is the state tree of Missouri, and its flower is the state flower of Virginia and North Carolina. All parts of the dogwood tree provide sustenance to many animals in their natural habitat. There are several species of dogwood, the roots of which provide different color dyes. Dogwood Tree Planting, Care, Varieties and Facts Tags english garden trees garden trees decorations garden trees front yards large garden trees tall garden trees Other dogwoods used in landscaping include red twig, silky, and creeping dogwoods. The flowers of the dogwood tree can be red, pink or white. Read also: 70 Interesting Sunflower Facts To Brighten Up Your Day, Your email address will not be published. Skewers used to … Dogwoods are very useful in that they provide dyes, have extensive medicinal properties, and rejuvenate soil. It is therefore often used for urban forestry projects and is planted on abandoned strip mines. The wood from dogwood trees was previously used in the construction of wheels, weaving shuttles, hay forks and machine bearings. Dogwood Tree Facts. Red blooms cover the tree in spring, and reddish-purple leaves as well as glossy red fruit adorn it in the fall. It has also become naturalized in the state of New York. Source for information on Dogwood Tree: The Gale Encyclopedia of Science dictionary. We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. An old tree will stand about 5 meters tall. Several varieties of dogwood tree are used as ornamental trees to enhance landscape designs. One of the most intriguing of all dogwood tree facts is that what you see on these beautiful trees are not actually blooms at all, but bracts – a type of leaf. This species does, however, go by other names including Chinese dogwood, Japanese dogwood, Japanese flowering dogwood and Japanese strawberry tree. The lifespan of a dogwood tree tops out at around 80 years. It is quite common in North America. Recieve fun facts in your inbox every Monday! This dogwood is a great landscape addition near utility lines, next to buildings, or near patios. The roots and bark of the dogwood tree were used by Native Americans to treat malaria. The dogwood tree contains both male and female reproductive organs. Once the flower clusters are pollinated by insects, these flowers produce small red berries. Dogwood trees are beautiful ornamental trees that provide food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife. Best offers for your Garden - https://amzn.to/2InnD0w ----- Dogwood Tree Facts. Dogwood Tree Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, dogwood trees add beauty to the landscape for most of the year. Dogwood Tree Facts Friday, April 28, 2017 By HGTV. The dogwood blooms represent the cross, as each consists of four bracts in a cross shape. The average diameter of a dogwood tree trunk is 1 foot. The leaves of the dogwood tree have a width between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. The leaves of the dogwood tree have a length between 2 and 5 inches. Flowering Dogwood Tree Facts Description. The origin of the name comes from the smooth, straight twigs which were used to make butchers’ skewers. These species vary wildly, from shrubs to deciduous temperate trees and evergreens. Thedogwood tree can grows at Eastern part of the united states of america. Additional colors can be created by mixing dogwood root with other plants that provide dyes. All Rights Reserved. Here is a picture of a dogwood tree leaves and seeds. Other ailments that have been treated with dogwood include insomnia, asthma, fevers, muscular problems, whooping cough, toothache and even canine mange. The pagoda dogwood is hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 7. The red fruits are 1/2 inch long and shaped like a football. Flowering dogwood (C. florida), a North American species, is widely grown as an ornamental for its showy petallike bracts (modified leaves) under the tiny flowers. Required fields are marked Dogwood is a type of flowering tree that belongs to the family Cornaceae. The wood of the dogwood tree is one of the hardest and it is said that it was chosen to make the cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified. A flowering dogwood tree usually ‘flowers’ in spring. And the name doesn’t help to make them any more appetizing – these berries are known as dogberries or houndberries. The most popular of all dogwood species is the flowering dogwood. Aptly named, the red dogwood brings a splash of color to the seasons. One of the lesser known dogwood tree facts is that the branches of a dogwood tree appear to be very different colors when seen in different light. Depending on the age of the Kousa dogwood, the trees take on a different appearance. A picture of some wild growing dogwood trees. The fruit (red berries), twigs, seeds, flowers, bark and leaves are all consumed by birds and mammals. Although dogwood tree facts reveal that birds love dogwood berries, these red berries, whilst attractive, are not particularly palatable to humans. The average height of a dogwood tree is around 33 feet. However, should she feel indifferent towards the man in question, she would return the flowers to the disappointed suitor. The legend of the dogwood tree holds particular importance for Christians. Leaves are simple, opposite, ovate measuring 6-13 cm long and 4-6 cm broad with entire margins. These bracts also attract pollinating insects to the flower clusters. The leaves of the dogwood tree have a width between 1.5 and 2.5 inches. The fruit of the dogwood tree is a popular food source for many different bird species. Native Americans used the root of dogwood trees to treat malaria. Botanists recognize two subspecies of the dogwood tree (Cornus florida). Should his feelings be requited, the woman would keep the dogwood blooms. The Kousa dogwood is a handsome, small- to medium-sized tree reaching a mature height of 30 feet. The dogwood family, or Cornaceae, consists of more than a dozen deciduous trees and shrubs in North America, many of which are used for ornamental purposes because of their attractive flowers. The purpose of the bracts is to protect the flower clusters while they are still forming, and they only unfold once the flower clusters open. Growth The leaf litter of a flowering dogwood decomposes far more quickly than that of most other species of tree. The wood is strong, dense, durable, and shock resistant. A picture of a few flowers on a blooming dogwood tree. The flowers of the dogwood tree can be red, pink or white. Dogwood Trees, Facts on the Dogwood Tree Species. Some Interesting Facts. The dogwoods are in the genus Cornus, which mostly occur in temperate and boreal forests of the Northern Hemisphere. Fast Facts About Dogwood Flowers. The show begins with pretty four-petal flowers from spring into summer, followed by bright red and orange foliage in the fall. Flowering dogwood is a small deciduous tree that blooms with white, pink, or red flowers in early spring; it is the state tree of North Carolina. *, Top 20 Fun Facts about Trees Food Biology Species More, 70 Interesting Sunflower Facts To Brighten Up Your Day. During the Victorian era, dogwood flowers were often used to convey affection. The animals that feed on dogwoods include songbirds, game birds, skunks, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, foxes, deer and bears. Facts About White Dogwood Trees. Sign up for our weekly facts e-mail. Some are herbaceous perennials; a few of the woody species are evergreen. Growth: One of the ornamental trees used for landscaping, flowering dogwood is a small deciduous tree that grows about 30 ft in height, with a crown spread of 35 ft, depending on the cultivator. In fact, at least 36 different species of birds feed on dogwood fruit. Some are herbaceous perennials; a few of the woody species are evergreen. Aurora dogwood grows to a mature size of 25 feet tall and equally wide. 5 237 Share . This allows it to self-pollinate and means it can produce seeds on its own. The inner bark of the roots contains the alkaloid known as cornin. For more pagoda dogwood information, including tips for pagoda dogwood care, read on. It also provides shelter and a convenient habitat for many animals. dogwood tree dogwood: a tree of shrub of the genus Cornus often having showy bracts resembling flowers; The genus Cornus comprise a group of 30-50 species of mostly deciduous trees and shrubs in the family Cornaceae commonly known as dogwoods. When supplies of quinine ran low during the Civil War, dogwood extract was used as a substitute. 80 Stunning London Facts About the Capital of England, 100 WW2 Facts About the Biggest and Bloodiest War in History, 100 Interesting Facts That Will Boggle Your Mind, 300 Random Facts No One Knows What To Do With, 100 Nutrition Facts To An Easier And Healthier Lifestyle, 100 Amazing Facts That Will Blow Your Mind, 300 WTF Facts That Will Make You Question Everything, 300 Weird Facts That Will Confuse And Amaze You At The Same Time, 100 Did You Know Facts Most People Have Never Heard About, Origin: Dogwood trees are native to North America, Types: White Dogwood, Pink Dogwood, and Chinese Dogwood, amongst others, Fruit: Flowering dogwoods produce red fruit in autumn, Flowers: Range from white, through pink, to scarlet, Livelihood: Dogwood trees are prone to insect damage and fungal diseases, Symbolism: The dogwood is the state tree of Virginia, Missouri and North Carolina, and is also Virginia’s state flower, Art: Dogwood trees are popular in landscape paintings, Traditions: Native Americans planted their crops, particularly corn, when the dogwoods bloomed, Legend: According to legend, Jesus Christ was crucified on a dogwood cross, after which God declared that dogwoods would again never grow tall enough for the construction of crucifixion crosses, Appearance: Dogwood Trees Have an Alligator Skin, Uses: The Wood from Dogwoods Is Ideal for Golf Clubs and Tools, Uses: Brightly Colored Dyes Come from Dogwood Roots, Food Chain: Dogwoods Provide Appetizing Fodder for Birds and Mammals, Dogwood Fruit Won’t Appear on Your Table, A Flowering Dogwood Tree’s Flowers Aren’t Flowers, People Used Dogwood Flowers to Convey Their Feelings, Christian Symbols Pervade the Dogwood Tree. Dogwoods are a favorite ornamental tree of homeowners -- thanks to their modest size and four-season appeal. Specifically, dogwood roots provide red, black and yellow dyes. A young man would give dogwood flowers to an unmarried woman for whom he felt some affection. This is largely due to the fact that wood from the dogwood tree resists splitting, and wears smoothly and evenly. Lastly, the dogwood tree flowers during Easter, which is seen as a reminder to Christians of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Dogwood trees are easily identified according to their distinctive bark. It is a deciduous plant that is most commonly grown as a small tree but … One of the most interesting dogwood tree facts is that their roots are used to make dyes. It grows in North Carolina. Pagoda Dogwood Information. Written by Fergus Mason. Its scientific name is Cornus Florida. It grows on fertile, loamy soil in areas that provide enough moisture and shade. Your email address will not be published. Once a dogwood has reached maturity, the gray bark cracks and looks like it’s been broken into small squares, giving it the appearance of alligator hide. The branches of a dogwood appear to be crimson in direct sunlight, but change to a lime green color when seen in the shade. These white, pink or scarlet leaves, which look like petals, surround a yellow center, which is in fact the true flower cluster. Flowering dogwood has a low-branching habit with a flattish crown. The white flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a common deciduous tree occurring throughout the eastern half of the United States. The Dogwood Tree is a majestic ornamental, well adapted to life in the United States. Dogwood, any of the shrubs, trees, or herbs of the genus Cornus, in the dogwood family (Cornaceae), native to Europe, eastern Asia, and North America.The bunchberry (C. canadensis) is a creeping perennial herb. Philadelphia: Countryside Press;, 1976. Print. The red stamens in the flower centers are said to represent the crown of thorns that Jesus wore when he was crucified, with the red color representing his blood. The leaves of the dogwood tree have an ovate shape. And once you know some facts about dogwoods, growing and nurturing these handsome trees is a breeze. Sometimes referred to as the Chinese dogwood, this Asian cousin to our native flowering dogwood can be used as a specimen plant or in shrub borders. Cornus is a genus of about 30–60 species of woody plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods, which can generally be distinguished by their blossoms, berries, and distinctive bark. Dogwood can be found in the evergreen forests or on the edges of deciduous forests. The common name for the dogwood tree is the flowering dogwood. Dogwood is a smaller tree, approximately 30 feet in height and 35 feet in width. The fruit of the dogwood tree is red to yellowish red. The fruit of the dogwood tree is red to yellowish red. The dogwood tree belongs to the family Cornaceae, and its scientific name is Cornus florida. Source: 100 years of Farm journal. Read also: Top 20 Fun Facts about Trees Food Biology Species More. Among the many species of flowering trees you might choose to liven up your property, the dogwood family contains some of the most attractive. In early spring, the dogwood produces white or pink petals, and in late spring it has red berries. Because of this, the flowering dogwood is considered to be a soil improver. Dogwood Tree Anthracnose disease Dogwood refers to certain species of trees and shrubs in the dogwood family (Cornaceae). The dogwood tree grows up to 30 feet. The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a deciduous tree, meaning that it loses its leaves in the winter. The leaves of the dogwood tree have a length between 2 and 5 inches. And once you know some facts about dogwood trees, growing and nurturing these handsome trees is a breeze. When young, it has a vase-like shape. These trees have been grown for centuries for their dense, fine-grained timber and now they’re popular among gardeners too. American Dogwood is a small deciduous tree which grows to the height of 10 meters and often wider than it is tall when mature having trunk diameter upto 30 cm. For these reasons, this particular wood is still used in the manufacture of items such as golf club heads, walking canes, tool handles, spindles and mallet heads. In 1614, the name changed to “dogwood.” For more dogwood lore, see Dogwood Trees: History, Facts, and Growing Tips. There are 30 to 50 species of dogwood that are native to temperate areas of North America and Eurasia. The dogwood tree is a deciduous tree, which means it loses its leaves seasonally. A Flowering Dogwood Tree’s Flowers Aren’t Flowers. It is also an attractive plant. The high calcium and fat content of the dogwood make it very appetizing for wildlife. This is one of many dogwood tree facts that will appeal to environmental enthusiasts. Dogwood Tree Facts. Dark green leaves, 3 to 6 inches long, turn an attractive red in fall. A flowering dogwood tree usually ‘flowers’ in spring. The birds who consume these seeds help disperse them through their feces. The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), a popular landscaping tree, is prized for its showy spring flowers as well as its red fall foliage. Copyright © 2020 Facts Just for Kids. The Aurora dogwood is a deciduous tree with an upright and pyramid-like shape and dense, spreading branches. There are over 50 species within the Cornus, or Dogwood, genus. This tree is native to parts of Asia, including China and Japan, and is accordingly also known as Chinese dogwood and Japanese dogwood. Here is some general information on the dogwood tree. It grows best in moist soil, and does not handle drought well. The dogwood tree contains both male and female reproductive organs. Botanical Name: Cornus florida Common Name(s): Flowering Dogwood, Dogwood Height: 20 to 30 feet Bloom Time: Early spring Soil Conditions: Wet, moist, or dry soil conditions Sun: Partial shade Fact: There is a legend that the dogwood was chosen for Christ’s Cross. Dogwood tree facts. Dogwood trees are a favorite ornamental tree of homeowners — thanks to their modest size and four-season appeal. The four points of the bracts are tinged in red, symbolizing the blood from Jesus’ hands and feet where they were nailed to the cross. Just enter your email address to join. C. controversa (the wedding cake tree), C. alternifolia (the pagoda dogwood), C. mas (the cornelian cherry) and C. officinalis are also tolerant of a range of soil conditions. The scientific name for the dogwood tree is Cornus florida. The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation and education organization. Flowers are four petals (white or pink), and cluster. Almost all parts of dogwood trees can be used for medicinal purposes: the bark, roots, berries, twigs, leaves and flowers. In addition to the legend of Jesus Christ being crucified on a dogwood cross, there are many symbols of religious significance for Christians found within the dogwood tree. It is an ornamental tree, and is also known as hound’s tree. Other species’ fruit are in fact poisonous to humans. Dogwood Tree Facts. The dogwood was among the top choices for America’s National Tree in a nationwide vote hosted by the Arbor Day Foundation, ranking third behind the oak and redwood. It grows naturally throughout most of the eastern United States and is specifically propagated for use in landscaping. The fruit from some species are consumed, but are not very popular. The dogwood tree is a small flowering tree species in the Cornus genus. A breeze people to plant, nurture, and in late spring has... 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