White Dogwood
Scientific Name: Cornus florida
Common Name: Dogwood, Flowering Dogwood, White
Dogwood
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Container |
Tree |
Guaranteed |
Shipping |
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15 Gallon |
6-8 Feet |
$30.00 Each |
No |
Description
The White Dogwood is a spring-blooming ornamental tree that goes well with any landscape in any season. During the Spring, the tree is full of white blooms and looks very nice when lining a driveway or side street. The leaves turn a pretty reddish-brow in the fall which looks great with its small red berry clusters.
The Dogwood berries are favored by many species of birds and seems to be a favorite place to build bird nests.
The Dogwood likes moist, well-drained soil; however, it will tolerate some drought.
Characteristics
v Type of Tree:
Flowering Tree.
v Light:
Full sun, part shade.
v Soil Type:
Moist, well-drained soil. Has some drought tolerance.
v Size at Maturity:
Medium; 20'-25' tall with a spread of 20'-25' wide.
v Growth:
Medium rate grower.
v Lifespan:
Long lived; usually around 75 years.
v Shape:
Rounded.
v Blooming Time:
Early April
v Flowers:
White 4-petal flowers with a green center.
v Fruit:
Small round red berries that grow in small clusters.
v Growing Zones:
Zones 5-9 (Zone Map)
Legend has it that Dogwood wood was what was used to build the cross that Jesus was crucified on. They say that before the crucifixion the Dogwood tree was much bigger than it is today, being the largest tree in Jerusalem. After the crucifixion, Jesus transformed the tree into a much smaller, weaker one so that the tree could never be used to contruct another cross in order to crucify another person. The flowers were changed to a 4-petal bloom in the shape of the cross and each petal given a browish-red indentation representing the nails. The flower's center represents the crown that was placed on His head, and the red berries represent His blood.
A poem was actually written about the dogwood and this legend. The author is Unkown.
In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew
To a stately size and a lovely hue.
'Twas strong and firm it's 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."