A Tree a Week: Dogwood

In the fall, the flowering dogwood trees (Cornus florida) on campus showcase vibrant dark green and wine colored leaves decorated with bright red berries that attract our local wildlife. This seasonal display, particularly the foliage, varies from tree to tree depending on where the trees have been planted. For example, the younger trees bordering Curtis’ garden receive more sunlight and are brighter in color, while our shaded dogwoods lining the walking path of the front hill have much deeper hues this fall. Yet, across our landscape, the dogwoods offer ornamental value, adding history and natural elegance to our rolling hills and woodland edges. Butterflies, specialized bees, and songbirds also love our dogwoods and can be found nearby, sourcing food for winter. Not only is the Flowering Dogwood a special sight on campus, but it also holds a place of honor as both the official state tree and state flower of Virginia. 

While the flowering dogwood is a small understory tree, in the spring, its graceful white blooms transform our campus into a majestic enchanted garden. From the forests to the open meadows, the clustered flowers add vibrant beauty, accentuating the grounds of our beloved school.  

Fun Facts

The "flowers" of a dogwood are actually four white or pink petals or bracts, surrounding a cluster of small, true, tiny yellow flowers in the center of the bloom. The tree's hard wood was historically used for daggers, and its bright red fruit is poisonous to humans but edible for many animals.

Thomas Jefferson was known to be very fond of the flowering dogwood tree. He planted many dogwood trees at his home in Monticello, which helped establish its popularity in American landscapes and contributed to its iconic status. 

 

“After all, I don’t see why I am always asking for private, individual, selfish miracles when every year there are miracles like the flowering dogwood.” 

- Anne Morrow Lindbergh