Dogwood, Flowering Dogwood, American Dogwood
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Cornales, Family: Cornaceae, Genus: Cornus, Species: C. florida · Cornaceae (Dogwood family) · Simple, deciduous leaf
Species
Cornus florida
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous leaf
Family
Cornaceae (Dogwood family)
Shape
Elliptical to ovate with an acuminate tip
Size
Approximately 4.5 inches long and 2.5 inches wide, which is typical for a mature specimen in this species range.
Margin
Entire with a smooth, slightly wavy edge
Arrangement
Opposite arrangement along the twig
Rarity
Common
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to dark green upper surface with lighter green underneath; shows minor yellowing at the margins indicating early autumn senescence or mild stress.
Venation Pattern
Arcuate venation, where secondary veins curve strongly toward the leaf tip, highly characteristic of the Cornus genus.
Texture & Surface
Slightly pubescent underneath with prominent raised veins; adaxial surface is smooth to semi-matte.
Description
The Flowering Dogwood is a beloved small deciduous tree renowned for its stunning spring floral bracts, distinctive opposite leaves with curved veins, and clusters of bright red autumn berries.
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement combined with arcuate venation where the lateral veins curve parallel to the leaf margin toward the apex.
Habitat
Understory of deciduous forests, moist well-drained soils, partial shade to full sun edge environments.
Geographic Range
Native to eastern North America, from southern Maine south to northern Florida, and west to Texas and Illinois.
Condition Notes
Good overall health with some slight marginal chlorosis typical of a mature summer leaf entering late-season changes.
Interesting Facts
The showy parts of the dogwood 'flower' are actually four large modified leaves called bracts, which surround the tiny, inconspicuous true flowers in the center.
Medicinal & Uses
Historically used by Native Americans and early settlers as a quinine substitute for treating malaria and fevers, and the hard wood was used for golf club heads and shuttles.
Ecological Role
Provides vital food sources for numerous songbirds, wild turkeys, and white-tailed deer, which consume the high-fat berries and foliage.
Similar Species
Alternate-leaved dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), which can be distinguished by its alternate leaf arrangement rather than opposite.
Foraging Tips
Look for opposite, wavy-edged leaves with distinctive curving veins on a small understory tree in deciduous woodlands.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic. The plant parts are generally considered safe for humans, though the berries are unpalatable.