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Cornus florida is a medium sized tree with an open, often multi-branched habit.
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Closeup of the trees' characteristic four petaled flower.

FLOWERING dogwood

Botanical Name: Cornus florida
Plant Family: Dogwood (Coraceae)

Description: Cornus florida, commonly known as flowering dogwood, is a small deciduous tree that typically grows 15-30’ tall with a low-branching, broadly-pyramidal but somewhat flat-topped habit. 

Growing Conditions: Prefers organically rich, acidic soils in part shade. Benefits from a 4-6" mulch which will help keep roots cool and moist in summer.

Bloom Time: Early, April - May
Bloom Color: White

Benefit to pollinators/wildlife: Early nectar source for pollinators, host plant for spring azure butterfly.

Native Status: Native from Maine to southern Ontario to Illinois to Kansas south to Florida, Texas and Mexico. It is the state tree of Missouri and Virginia.

Location in habitat: Pollinator Demonstration Garden