American Dogwood Tree Facts
These species vary wildly from shrubs to deciduous temperate trees and evergreens.
American dogwood tree facts. An old tree will stand about 5 meters tall. It turns a rich red brown in fall. Unfussy in its care requirements the dogwood readily thrives in the home landscape and grows quickly. The main attraction is the appearance of the showy white or pink flowers actually bracts that herald the arrival of spring.
As long as you offer the tree plenty of water and sunshine like most plants the dogwood will do just fine. America s founding fathers were big dogwood fans. Additional colors can be created by mixing dogwood root with other plants that provide dyes. It is quite common in north america.
Dogwoods are native to north america and are also native to asia and europe. Leaves are simple opposite ovate measuring 6 13 cm long and 4 6 cm broad with entire margins. Specifically dogwood roots provide red black and yellow dyes. There are over 50 species within the cornus or dogwood genus.
George washington planted them at mount vernon and thomas jefferson at monticello. American dogwood is a small deciduous tree which grows to the height of 10 meters and often wider than it is tall when mature having trunk diameter upto 30 cm. The dogwood tree is a majestic ornamental well adapted to life in the united states. The fruits are known as dogberries or houndberries.
The dogwood name is derived from dagwood which refers to the trees earliest use as material for making daggers and swords. It is an ornamental tree and is also known as hound s tree. The dogwood one of the most popular trees in the country offers an unmatched four season display of beauty.