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Cornus is also the Latin name for cornelian cherry. Genus name comes from the Latin word cornu meaning horn in probable reference to the strength and density of the wood. ![]() Fruits mature in late summer to early fall and may persist until late in the year. Bright red fruits are bitter and inedible to humans (some authors say poisonous) but are loved by birds. Oval, dark green leaves (3-6” long) turn attractive shades of red in fall. However, each flower cluster is surrounded by four showy, white, petal-like bracts which open flat, giving the appearance of a single, large, 3-4” diameter, 4-petaled, white flower. ![]() The true dogwood flowers are actually tiny, yellowish green and insignificant, being compacted into button-like clusters. It blooms in early spring (April) shortly after, but usually overlapping, the bloom period of the redbuds. It is the state tree of Missouri and Virginia. It is native from Maine to southern Ontario to Illinois to Kansas south to Florida, Texas and Mexico. It arguably may be the most beautiful of the native American flowering trees. Proper care and maintenance of your pink flowering dogwoods are the first line of defense against most pests and diseases.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. #Cherokee brave dogwood. availability 18069 professional#It should be noted that scales are notoriously difficult to eradicate, so you may need the help of a professional arborist. If that does not solve the problem, neem oil or an insecticide can be applied. Aphids and scales are common pests found on dogwood trees, to eliminate them, try spraying the tree with a strong stream of water. To remedy an anthracnose infection, remove the diseased parts of the tree and promote proper airflow. If this fungal infection is ignored, your trees will likely die within a few years. Pests and diseasesĭogwood anthracnose is the biggest threat to flowering dogwood trees. Never prune in the spring, as boring insects may invade the wounded areas on the dogwood. Prune any small twigs or overlapping branches, to encourage air circulation throughout the tree’s canopy. When pruning, sterilize your shears between cuts to prevent spreading infection. Remove any dead, dying, or diseased branches and dispose of infected branches away from other dogwood trees. Prune when the tree is dormant, during late autumn or winter. The flowering dogwood is monoecious, as it has both male and female flowers and will always produce fruit. Once pollinated, the pink flowering dogwood tree produces tiny, dark, red berries that provide a source of food for birds and animals. The flowers on the ‘rubra’ cultivar bloom April through May, opening up their buds to attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. The inside of the flower is a cluster of numerous tiny flowers that contain pollen. The pink flowering dogwood relies on many different insects and animals for pollination. Apply a light layer of compost or all-purpose fertilizer, gently working it into the soil around your trees. Fertilize your dogwood trees between March and June, before the heat of summer comes. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings or your trees may develop problems with discolored foliage and bloom production. Established trees should be watered once per week. Water your newly planted dogwoods every few days, keeping the soil consistently moist but not soggy. A two to three inch layer of mulch helps retain moisture as the plant establishes itself. Tamp down the soil lightly and water thoroughly, adding more soil if settling occurs. Place the tree in the hole and backfill it with dirt. ![]() Once you have determined your planting location, dig a hole as deep as the tree’s root ball and twice as wide. The species thrives in well-drained, slightly acidic soil. The pink flowering dogwood tree enjoys partial shade, but it requires at least five to six hours of sunlight per day. #Cherokee brave dogwood. availability 18069 update#By Jo Cosgrove | Ecological Gardener, Horticulturist, and Educator – last update on December 10, 2021 ![]()
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