Wilton Garden Club

Dogwood is a favorite tree, beloved for its wealth of showy white or pink flowers, bright red fruit clusters and long-lasting red fall color.  In winter it displays its nearly horizontal branching and distinctive "alligator skin" bark.  The prominent "flowers" are actually bracts surrounding the inconspicuous greenish true flowers.  Numerous cultivars and varieties are available, including the well known Pink Dogwood, C. florida 'Rubra'.  Because Dogwood grows throughout much of the eastern and central United States as an understory tree in the woodland edge it is tolerant of both sun and partial shade.  It is best grown with good drainage and air circulation, and prefers cool, moist, acidic soil containing organic matter.  It does not tolerate drought, pollution or road salt and is best transplanted while small.  Grows to about 30' height.  Zones 5-9.