The Dogwood Tree
Dogwoods are flowering trees highly popular with homeowners and landscapers due to their modest size, hardiness and colorful spring blooms. Most dogwood species can be cultivated anywhere in North America. Does this Spark an idea?
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Appearance
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Dogwood trees grow to an average height of 20 to 30 feet and up to 25 feet wide. Their blooms can be pink, white or yellow in the spring, and later produce berries that attract wild birds such as robins and bluebirds.
Climate and Care
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With proper care, dogwood trees can withstand summer heat and cold winters. They prefer partial sun and moist, drained soil. Using an organic fertilizer will help provide the nutrients dogwood trees need to grow to their full potential.
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Growth and Maturity
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Dogwood trees grow at a moderate growth rate of up to 18 inches per year. They reach maturity at 15 feet in height.
Pests and Diseases
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The dogwood borer is a pest that weakens trees by boring into trunks and limbs, causing twigs and branches to die and stop producing leaves. Dogwood anthracnose is a disease caused by a fungus that gives leaves and flowers a spotted or blotched appearance.
Symbolic Use
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The flowering dogwood is the state tree of Virginia and Missouri. North Carolina and Virginia have adopted the tree's blossom as their state flower.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Diana
