Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida
Cornaceae
Cornus florida fruit CEH
cornus florida form
cornus florida flower
Cornus florida fall color (2)
Large and showy bracts (modified leaves) that appear like flowers, white or pink in cultivation. Red fruits in fall. Prefers fertile soil.

Summary

Climate Tolerance
Poor
Wildlife Benefits
Nectar/pollen source for bees, butterflies; fruit food source for songbirds, gamebirds, mammals; moth/butterfly host
Pollination Type
Pollinator
Plant Hardiness Zones
5 to 9
# Butterfly/Moths that use as host
111
Bloom Time
Spring (Apr-May)
Shade/Sun Tolerance
Part Shade to Shade: Receives less than 2 to 4 hours of direct sunlight or dappled shade all day
Maximum Height
Small (15-40 ft)
Growth Rate
Moderate: 1 ft- 2 ft per year
Soil Type
Loam: Equal mix of clay, sand, and silt. Moderate moisture retention and high nutrient availability.
Sand: Large/coarse particles. Short moisture retention and low nutrient availability.
Soil Moisture Tolerance
Dry - Moist: Soil can be dry for periods of time and can retain little moisture for periods of time
Root - Fungal Association
Arbuscular mycorrhizae: Symbiotic relationship with fungi that exist on inside of plant root cells, facilitating nutrient uptake
Pest & Pathogen Risks
Medium; Anthracnose, canker
Urban Stress Tolerance
Low: Tree will not grow well in the urban environment
Drought Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed during periods of drought
Coefficient of Conservatism
5
Native Status
OH-Native: Species is native to Ohio
NatureServe G-rank
G5
Plant Community Type
  • Beech Mixed: Common
  • Oak Mixed: Common
  • Alluvial: Occasional
  • Red Maple Mixed: Occasional
  • Ruderal: Rare
Bloom Color
White
Yellow
Form
Shrub
Lifespan
Short: Less than 100 years
Soil pH
Acidic (pH<6.8)
Wetland Indicator Status
FACU: Facultative Upland, usually occurs in non-wetlands, but may occur in wetlands
Soil Compaction Tolerance
Sensitive: Tree will become stressed from soil being compacted
Heat Tolerance
Tolerant: Tree will not become stressed for increased temperature due to urban heat island effects
Salt Tolerant
Sensitive: Intolerant to either aerial salt spray and/or salt present in soil
Native County Status
Cuyahoga
Geauga
Lake
Lorain
Medina
Portage
Summit
IUCN Red List Assessment
Least Concern

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