Flowering dogwood, Cornus florida, is often also known as dogwood, boxwood, and cornel. However, the “flowers” of this dogwood are not actually flowers, but petal-like bracts, making it a misnomer.

Flowering dogwood is found in Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

The growing season lasts from 160 days to 300 in Florida. Flowering dogwood grows up to 55 feet in height with 19 inches of trunk diameter. Flowering dogwoods can live 125 years.

Well-drained soil is important, particularly for young flowering dogwoods, though older trees can survive on less well-drained soils. Flowering dogwood prefers moist soils with a pH of 6 to 7. Flowering dogwood also does not do very well on upper slopes, though it does well on middle and lower slopes, as well as flat land.

Leaf litter decomposes rapidly compared to other trees and is considered a soil improver. It adds calcium to the soil, as well as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, and sulfur.

The true flowers are small and yellowish, forming in clusters. The “flowers” made of bracts are much more prominent, with four white, pink, or red “petals”. Fruits are clustered red drupes that are half an inch long. Each drupe has a stone with one or two seeds. The fruits ripen from September to late October. Good seed crops happen every two years.

The very shallow roots are likely the reason flowering dogwood is susceptible to drought, and the thin bark makes it susceptible to fire. However, flowering dogwood is very tolerant of shade.

The leaves, seeds, fruit, flowers, twigs, and bark are all eaten by wildlife. It is also often used as an ornamental tree.