The Flowering Dogwood Tree

Unmatched in its unique appearance and unparalleled in its spectacular beauty, the flowering dogwood tree is a deciduous ornamental that is treasured throughout the southeastern United States. Also known as the "Cornus florida," the flowering dogwood typically stands 15 to 25 feet tall and is characterized by an abundance of white or pink flowers that bloom on its branches in the early months of spring.

The flowering dogwood tree is native to the state of North Carolina, although it can also be found throughout nearby states such as South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. In a natural environment, the flowering dogwood generally grows along the edges of a forest or beneath tall pine trees which provide filtered sunlight, high humidity and protection from strong, drying winds. Although it is possible for flowering dogwoods to grow in an assortment of soil types, the trees do best in a moist and fertile soil that receives plenty of proper drainage. Because they have such a shallow root system, flowering dogwoods often benefit immensely from the leaves that fall from the trees that tower above them in their natural habitat. For this reason, planting them in a bed of organic matter -- such as mulch or compost -- that is two to four inches thick is an excellent way to help a flowering dogwood tree establish itself in your own backyard.

Flowering dogwoods do best in a site that receives partial shade with a hint of sunlight. While some sunlight helps to promote the flowering process, too much sun can hinder the flowering dogwood's growth and often results in much smaller trees that are significantly more compact and bear fewer flowers.

Although the flowering dogwood tree begins to bloom throughout a two-week period in late March, its beautiful display of flowers can be enjoyed year-round in the majority of climates. Ranging from stark white to purplish pink, the myriad of hues found on the flowering dogwood tree from March to December offer a sight that is simply stunning for all appreciators of nature's beauty at its finest.