Flowering Dogwood

Flowering Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus florida

Bloom type: Perennial 

Native to North American and Northern Mexico, the flowering dogwood could be described as a multi-branch shrub or a small tree. Dogwoods produce large showy flower clusters (white or pink) between March and June, their blooms last for 2-4 weeks. The blooms are followed by yellow or red berry-like fruits, that are dangerous for human consumption. It is a valuable food plant for wildlife because of the high calcium and fat contents. Flowering dogwood is an indicator of rich soil and can improve the soil from the rapid decomposition of its leaves. In Autumn the leaves turn to a red or purple color.