Also known as American Dogwood · American-Boxwood · Arrowwood
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a small ornamental tree native to eastern North America, prized for its showy white or pink spring bracts.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Partial Shade to Full Sun
50% intensity
Thrives in partial shade, especially in hotter climates, to protect from scorching. Tolerates full sun if soil moisture is consistent.
Consistent Moisture
50% intensity
Prefers moist, well-drained soil. Water deeply when top inch of soil is dry. Reduce watering in fall and winter.
Well-drained, acidic to neutral
50% intensity
Hardy
50% intensity
Adaptable to a range of temperatures within USDA hardiness zones 5-9. Protect young trees from extreme cold.
Low to Moderate
25% intensity
Generally requires little fertilization. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring if growth is weak.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Flowering dogwoods prefer consistent moisture, especially when young. Water deeply once or twice a week during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Reduce watering in cooler weather, but never allow the soil to dry out completely.
Prune flowering dogwoods primarily to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. The best time for structural pruning is late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
Avoid heavy pruning, as it can stress the tree. Aim for a natural, open form.
Flowering dogwoods are most reliably propagated by grafting named cultivars onto Cornus florida rootstock. Seed propagation is possible but often results in variable traits.
Softwood cuttings can be rooted under mist, but success rates can be low.
Flowering dogwoods are best transplanted from containers or balled-and-burlapped from nursery stock. Established trees transplant poorly.
If container-grown, repot only when root-bound, typically every 2-3 years, using well-draining soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
| Species | Cornus florida |
Similar in genus Cornus
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
