Flowering Dogwood
cornus florida
Also known as: ["American Dogwood","Florida Dogwood"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to eastern North America, known for its showy spring flowers and vibrant fall foliage.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","seasonal color change"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Cornales |
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Genus: | Cornus |
| Botanical Name: | Cornus florida |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed with adequate space for canopy spread
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–34–43°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if indoor humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to good drainage; avoid waterlogged conditions.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter. Tolerates clay but prefers amended soil.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old wood if needed for rejuvenation, but avoid excessive cutting
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with afternoon shade in hot climates).
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants gradually to full sun to prevent leaf scorch. Provide dappled shade during peak summer heat. Protect from harsh, direct afternoon sun, especially in arid regions.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Morning sun is ideal; avoid intense afternoon sun; adjust shade as seasons change.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly but infrequently to encourage deep roots; avoid overwatering, especially in winter; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy, slightly acidic soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; avoid compacted soil.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 5–9. Prefers temperatures between 60–75°F (15–24°C) during active growth; tolerates winter lows to -20°F (-29°C) in zone 5.
Protect from late spring frosts; ensure good air circulation in hot weather; water deeply to combat heat stress.
Fertilizing
annually in early spring with balanced slow-release fertilizer
Fertilize only in spring; avoid high-nitrogen formulas; test soil before fertilizing to prevent nutrient imbalances.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in early summer or seed propagation in fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
- Or clean seeds, cold stratify, and sow in fall.
Best Time: Early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (70–75°F or 21–24°C), and bright indirect light for cuttings; cold stratification required for seeds.
Medium
Peat-based potting mix with perlite or sand for cuttings; sterile seed starting mix for seeds.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rates.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seeds can take 1–2 years to germinate and establish.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, misting system, plastic bags or propagation dome.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain consistent moisture; protect from direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning of branches; heading back to shape; removal of crossing or damaged limbs.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage flowering. Avoid heavy pruning after flowering to preserve next year's buds.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune before bud break; remove dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts just above buds or branches.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth starts.
Pot Size
One size larger pot (e.g., +2–3 inches in diameter) with drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any circling roots; place in a slightly larger pot with fresh, well-draining soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Not typically repotted as it is usually grown in the ground. If container-grown, repot every 2–3 years to refresh soil and accommodate root growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; use fresh soil mix; prune roots if pot-bound; water after repotting; provide shade for a few days.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply at the base; avoid wetting foliage; ensure proper drainage.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone. Apply water slowly to allow absorption, ensuring moisture reaches the root ball without runoff. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, reducing frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter. Adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve structure and fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage in heavy soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf scorch (brown, crispy edges) in excessive heat; leaf drop or dieback in prolonged cold or frost damage.
Cold Stress
Leaves may wilt, curl, or drop; buds may fail to open; twigs and branches can die back in severe cold without protection.
Solution: Mulch heavily around the base in fall; protect young or tender plants with burlap screens; avoid planting in frost pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, reduced flowering, and stunted growth due to excessive heat and drought stress.
Solution: Provide afternoon shade; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid pruning during heatwaves.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Test soil pH; apply fertilizer in early spring; water after fertilizing; avoid contact with roots.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring before new growth emerges. Apply according to package instructions, avoiding over-fertilization.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest the seeds or berries of Cornus florida. The toxic effects are generally limited to digestive discomfort, with no significant systemic toxicity reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of the seeds and berries of Cornus florida can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset. The toxic compounds primarily affect the digestive tract, causing discomfort but not typically leading to severe health issues.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe seeds and berries of Cornus florida contain compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress when ingested in significant quantities. The physiological impact is generally limited to the digestive system, with no severe systemic effects reported.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Flowering Dogwood produce edible fruit?
A: The fruit is not typically consumed by humans but is enjoyed by birds.
Q: How tall does the Flowering Dogwood grow?
A: It typically reaches 15–30 feet in height.
Q: Is the Flowering Dogwood deer resistant?
A: It is not highly deer resistant and may be browsed by deer.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cornaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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