American Dogwood Tree Facts

The dogwood tree belongs to the family cornaceae and its scientific name is cornus florida.

American dogwood tree facts. Dogwoods are native to north america and are also native to asia and europe. Unfussy in its care requirements the dogwood readily thrives in the home landscape and grows quickly. Specifically dogwood roots provide red black and yellow dyes. These species vary wildly from shrubs to deciduous temperate trees and evergreens.

The main attraction is the appearance of the showy white or pink flowers actually bracts that herald the arrival of spring. Leaves are simple opposite ovate measuring 6 13 cm long and 4 6 cm broad with entire margins. One of the most interesting dogwood tree facts is that their roots are used to make dyes. America s founding fathers were big dogwood fans.

The dogwood tree is a majestic ornamental well adapted to life in the united states. It turns a rich red brown in fall. There are several species of dogwood the roots of which provide different color dyes. The fruits are known as dogberries or houndberries.

The dogwood one of the most popular trees in the country offers an unmatched four season display of beauty. Additional colors can be created by mixing dogwood root with other plants that provide dyes. The dogwood name is derived from dagwood which refers to the trees earliest use as material for making daggers and swords. There are over 50 species within the cornus or dogwood genus.

George washington planted them at mount vernon and thomas jefferson at monticello. An old tree will stand about 5 meters tall. American dogwood is a small deciduous tree which grows to the height of 10 meters and often wider than it is tall when mature having trunk diameter upto 30 cm.