Specimen record
Flowering Dogwood
Cornus florida
Conservation note
Populations declining due to dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva). Note disease symptoms on specimens if observed.
Description
A beloved understory tree prized for its stunning spring display. What appear to be large white 'petals' are actually four petal-like bracts surrounding a tight cluster of tiny yellowish-green true flowers. In autumn it produces clusters of glossy red drupes and deep crimson foliage. Populations have declined significantly due to dogwood anthracnose disease caused by the fungus Discula destructiva.
Identification tips
- 1Four large white (or rarely pink) petal-like bracts with a notch at each tip
- 2True flowers are tiny, yellowish-green, clustered in the center of the bracts
- 3Opposite, simple, ovate leaves with arcuate (curved) venation following the leaf margin
- 4Bark broken into small squarish blocks in an alligator-hide pattern on mature trees
- 5Tight clusters of glossy red drupes in September–October
Specimen & preservation notes
Press a flowering branch with all four bracts spread flat. The bracts dry well and retain their shape. Collect a fruiting branch in autumn as a separate specimen. Photograph the distinctive bark. Note any anthracnose symptoms (brown leaf blotches, cankers) if present.
Habitats
Collection calendar
| Wk | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||||
| 2 | ||||||||
| 3 | ||||||||
| 4 |
Collection notes
Season check
Guide window is wider than observed records.
Flowering records: 119 iNaturalist observations, Massachusetts · Nearby: 363 observations within 25 km