Flowering Dogwood

Cornus florida · Cornaceae (Dogwood family)

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Flowering Dogwood

Leaf Morphology

Leaf Type

Simple, deciduous

Shape

Elliptic to ovate with an acuminate tip and unlobed margins

Margin

Entire with slightly wavy edges

Arrangement

Opposite with a short petiole

Venation

Arcuate venation where secondary veins curve upward toward the leaf tip, highly prominent underneath

Key Features

Opposite leaf arrangement combined with distinct curved arcuate veins running parallel to the margin

Description

Small deciduous tree with spreading branches, producing showy four-bracted spring inflorescences and bright red autumn foliage and clusters of red drupes

Habitat

Understory of deciduous forests, thriving in moist, well-draining soils under partial shade

Native Range

Eastern North America from southern Maine to Florida and west to Texas

Identified on 10/18/2026