One of my earliest connections to trees was with dogwood trees in bloom in our backyard. I remember my grandmother showing me a dogwood bloom and saying it bloomed around Easter time to remind us of Christ’s crucifixion.

“You see the shape is that of a cross? Now look at the ends of the white petals. Do you see those reddish marks? Each one shows where Christ bled on the cross. His hands on either side, his feet nailed together down below and the crown of thorns on the petal above.” 

So, that was my first introduction to the dogwood species, beginning with Cornus florida.

Later in life, I discovered a poem that extends the story my Granny told me. 

CHRIST LEGEND OF THE DOGWOOD TREE

“In Jesus’ time, the dogwood grew   
To a stately size and a lovely hue.  
‘Twas strong and firm, its branches interwoven.   
For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.

Seeing the distress at this use of their wood
Christ made a promise which still holds good:   
“Never again shall the dogwood grow
Large enough to be used so.

Slender and twisted, it shall be
With blossoms like the cross for all to see.   
As blood stains the petals marked in brown,
The blossom’s center wears a thorny crown.

All who see it will remember Me
Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.  
Cherished and protected, this tree shall be
A reminder to all of My agony.”
~Author Unknown

The Dogwood Family Name – Cornaceae

Living in the southeast as a lover of the woodlands, I’ve always been drawn to the dogwoods. Yet, the dogwoods many of us know are members of a much larger family. Members of this Cornaceae family have evolved into unique forms, some taller than others, some short and bushy.

Fruiting Dogwood – Cornelian Cherry

The Cornelian cherry dogwood produces an edible “cherry” like fruit. But it’s growth habit is more bushy and the flowers are inconspicuous.

Some, like Cornus florida and Cornus kousa (Chinese dogwood) have the showy bracts (which my Granny called petals). The Chinese dogwood blooms later making a show of its white bracts against leafed out branches. 

Cornus Kousa Dogwood

Cornus kousa is a small deciduous, fruit-bearing dogwood tree growing 26–39 ft tall, in the family Cornaceae. 

The Cornus mas and Cornus kousa both produce edible and ornamental fruit. The Kousa dogwood (Cornus Kousa var “Milkyway”), is known for its late blooming habit and ornamental fruits. It’s “cousin” the Cornelian Cherry dogwood also sports smaller fruits.  

Common Names of Cornus Kousa Chinensis Dogwood

• Kousa
• Milkyway
• Cornus kousa
• Kousa dogwood
• Chinese dogwood
• Korean dogwood
• Japanese dogwood

The fruits of each are not the usual taste or texture found at the produce stand. However, homesteaders and foragers enjoy making jams and pies out of them. It’s also a free snack to share with the birds and they’re good to have on hand for garden nibbles, a.k.a. chewable vitamins from nature!

Dogwoods display many colors as well. Showy pink flowers as the C. Florida ‘Cherokee Chief’ and also showy leaves like our ‘Pagoda Golden Shadows’ (C. alternifolia ’Golden Shadows’). 

Dogwoods in Landscape

Some varieties show off colorful leaves in the fall, while others add to winter with vivid red and yellow stems especially with snow on the ground. 

There are so far 51 “accepted” species of dogwoods (Cornus spp.) and likely more to come. ^[1]http://www.theplantlist.org/1.1/browse/A/Cornaceae/Cornus/

The best reading compilation we’ve come across is the comprehensive book aptly titled “Dogwoods” . (Hardcover only but available as new and used on Amazon).

For a more rundown of various species (and cultivars) see Southern Living’s post, as well as their comprehensive book that includes much the same listings.

From what we’ve experienced, the planting location of dogwood trees is vitally important. Here are the particulars for most species:

Right species for the right hardiness zone (e.g. C. florida Zones 6-9; C. kousa Zones 6-8)

Dogwood Growing Conditions

• Full sun or partial shade (ours are in partial shade)
• Moist, well drained soil
• Acid soil (5.5-6.0)^[2]https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/dogwood/
• Shallow roots, widely spread

Caring for Dogwoods

Because dogwoods grow naturally as understory trees, they have shallow root systems that spread widely in order to compete for nutrition and water. When the ground is dried out, dogwoods can be severely stressed. Most species can also suffer from “wet feet” in an overly wet soil condition. 

Our dogwoods have done best under partial shade. The towering sweetgums, hickories, and tulip poplars provide the dappled shade, and dead leaf cover, which maintain soil moisture. These complementary trees also provide a wonderful backdrop for the dogwood trees in bloom.

Soil Moisture Is Key

While dogwoods generally have a fairly wide range of tolerance to moisture levels, too dry or too wet can cause major issues. Supplemental watering is fine during extended drought periods, and watering is OK to help newly planted trees get through a dry season. 

Mulch for Moisture

But the best way to keep the soil moist and yet permeable is to apply mulch. Organic mulch (e.g. ground composted pine bark, wood chips, pine needles, or compost). Mulch a large area several feet beyond the drip line of the tree canopy.^[3]https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/dogwood/

Dogwood Fertilizer

Two words: go light!

In early spring, we apply a light dose of organic acid-forming fertilizer (read the package label). Then, six weeks or so later, we may apply another light dose of the same fertilizer. 

“Avoid fertilizing during the hot dry periods, especially if plants are stressed.”https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/dogwood/

Our top favorite fertilizer for dogwoods and other plants that prefer moderately acidic soil is Espoma’s Hollytone (3-4-3).

Dogwood Tree Problems

Why no Dogwood blossoms? There are numerous causes for dogwoods not to bloom:

• Age
• Dryness
• Too much shade
• Weather damage
• Too much nitrogen
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Alternate year blooming cycles
• Wide assortment of pests and diseases^[4]https://ask.extension.org/questions/124342

Solutions to Non-Blooming Dogwoods

Some of the non-blooming causes can be corrected by: 

• Proper watering (new trees especially and during droughts)
• Pruning dead, diseased, dying branches
• Avoiding too much fertilizer
• Pest and disease treatments
• Mulching to retain moisture and add organics to the soil

Plants to Plant with Dogwoods

Let your garden creativity loose with accents and ornamentals that complement your dogwoods. Many plants, such as native azaleas, and rhododendrons share similar site requirements of dappled shade, and well-drained, acid soil. 

Complimentary Landscape Plants

• Azaleas (deciduous, native, and evergreen)
• Rhododendrons 
• Japaneses maples
• Oregon Grape Holly (Mahonia Aquifolium “Bealei”)
• Hollies (deciduous and evergreen)
• Vinca minor
• Hydrangeas
• Sweetbox (Sarcococca sp)
• Ferns
• Redbuds (Cercis species) 

Dogwoods – a Tree to Know and Love

There’s so much more to dogwood myths and history, its medicinal uses, the species varieties, and a seemingly endless parade of cultivars. We are just getting started! 

Of all the plants and trees I’ve come to know, over these many years of gardening. The dogwood is a favorite. Perhaps, it’s thanks to my sweet  “Granny Alderson” who introduced me to the spiritual side of this amazingly beautiful tree. Along with fond memories of my grandmother, dogwood trees in bloom hold a special place in my heart – cherished and protected. 💜

Wishing you lovely landscapes and great gardens!