Habitat:
The flowering dogwood can be found in both the northeastern and southeastern U.S., from Maine in the north to Florida in the south and as far west as eastern Texas. However, it is beginning to be considered vulnerable and even endangered in some of its more northern habitats like Maine and Vermont. It is an understory species which lives mainly in eastern deciduous and southern coniferous forests, as well as floodplains, slopes, bluffs, ravines, gum swamps, and more. It prefers to grow in well-drained, acid-based soil, and thrives in shady locations. Although dogwood trees are resistant to slight changes in environmental conditions, they can not survive in extreme droughts, polluted areas, or in areas prone to flooding.
Origin, history, and uses:
The term “dogwood” comes to us from Old English, the use of which likely dates back to the 1500s. Although there are many theories surrounding the origin of such a name, it is thought that the bark of some Cornus trees was used to bathe dogs suffering from mange in England many years ago. In North America, Native Americans were known to have used dogwood bark and flowers to relieve many ailments including but not limited to fevers, body aches, and throat hoarseness. The flowering dogwood has been cultivated in North America since the 1730s, when colonists also drank tea made from its bark to treat cold symptoms. Today, the flowering dogwood is widely used as an ornamental plant for landscaping purposes. It is also known to improve the soil where it is planted due to the high rate at which its leaf matter decomposes. Thus, dogwoods are often planted in areas targeted by urban forestry projects. The wood of the flowering dogwood is notorious for being extremely hard and shock-resistant, so it has been harvested throughout time to make specialty tools like wheel cogs, hay forks, and even items like knitting needles or golf club handles in the present day.
Phenology:
The flowering dogwood is well-known for its beautiful off-white flowers that bloom in early spring, typically around the month of April. Small red fruits will grow in clusters amongst its leaves throughout the summer and continue to ripen into September and October. As a deciduous species, the dogwood’s leaves turn hues of red and purple before falling off in autumn. During the winter months, the tree becomes dormant until spring returns.
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