woman with a flower
Dogwoods are plants of the genus Cornus. They can take the form of trees or shrubs, and the dogwood group is quite diverse. Many gardeners like to plant dogwoods because many species are extremely attractive and some are also useful. Dogwoods tend to grow best in temperate zones and prefer partial sun and acidic soil that is well mixed with organic matter.
As a general rule, dogwoods are known to produce flowers, while dogwood shrubs produce colorful foliage. Both produce brightly colored fruit in the fall; some species produce edible fruit, although they may not taste very good. Dogwoods are also deciduous, shedding their leaves in the fall and tending to have simple opposite leaves, although some species have alternate leaves.
Many species of dogwood lend themselves very well to mulching. A dogwood hedge can grow very quickly and serve as a very effective obstacle to all but the most determined animals and passers-by. Dogwood is also famous for having an extremely hard wood that can be used for furniture and a variety of other tasks, although it is not suitable for large tasks as the wood has a tendency to warp and twist.
The most famous dogwood is probably C. florida, the flowering dogwood. The flowering dogwood can grow to formidable heights, producing delicate cream, pink, or reddish flowers in spring. In addition to the primary flowering dogwood species, there are a number of other flowering dogwoods, some of which have a delicate and very pleasant scent. The flowering dogwood is especially associated with the southern United States, the region from which it originates.
Dogwood bushes can also be beautiful ornamental plants. Many are quite easy to shape and trim, and their colorful foliage can be a very nice addition to the garden. In the fall, the fruits that the plants produce help make the garden less arid. Most of the fruits are bright yellow or orange in color and are very popular with birds, for gardeners interested in attracting birds to the garden.
Gardeners looking to purchase dogwood can find it at many nurseries. Since dogwood is susceptible to disease and insect pests, it’s a good idea to inspect a nursery carefully for signs of disease to ensure your dogwood remains healthy when you bring it home.