Dogwood: Beautiful Tree With Many Uses

For all the beauty of this tree, the common name of dogwood may come from something less lovely - "dagger."  This, in turn, may actually come from its early use as a skewer, or thin piece of wood used to hold meat together.  The tendency of its wood to not splinter made it popular for this purpose.

The scientific genus name, Cornus, derives from the Latin, cornu, or horn, in reference to another use of its hard wood.  The species name, florida, is also from Latin, flos, meaning flowery. 

The blossoms of dogwood add a welcome touch of color in early spring.  If space allows, the white can be accentuated with a background of conifers.  Bright autumn foliage and red berries that linger into winter add a bold stroke of color to any landscape design.

In a small, intimate space where an enclosed feeling is desired, the spreading branches of dogwood can provide a pleasant "roof."  (Some pruning of the lowest branches might be necessary for this use.)  Shade over a deck or patio can also be a good use, and as a bonus the winter berries will attract birds to within viewing range.

Best soil is a cool, acidic (pH 5.5 to 6.6) loam with a high percentage of organic matter.  However, it can tolerate both heavier soils or lighter, sandy soils if other conditions are right.  Be sure to plant with the root collar or top of the root ball level with the soil surface -- not a bit deeper!

Can be planted in shade or partial shade, but full sun helps prevent dogwood anthracnos fungus.  Avoid:

• Sites where soil compaction is unavoidable
• Alkaline soil
• Soil that is poorly drained
• Soil that becomes excessively dry in summer
• Sites exposed to salt spray or air pollution problems
• Excessively hot sites such as parking lots

In recent years, dogwoods have been planted in harsh sites where stress predisposes them to a variety of diseases.  In addition to planting only on proper sites, here are some suggestions to keep flowering dogwoods healthy.

• Use 2 to 4 inches of wood chip mulch to help keep the soil cool and moist, and to reduce compaction.
• Extreme care is necessary to prevent trunk damage such as from construction, lawn mowers or weed cutters.  Wounds predispose this species this species to invastion by dogwood borers.
• Water during prolonged dry spells, but to prevent conditions that help spread disease, avoid wetting the leaves with irrigation water.  Use a hose, drip irrigation or other systems that can apply water close to the ground.
• Rake and dispose of leaves in autumn to help sanitize the area.
• Dogwood anthracnose is a troubling disease that has become nearly epidemic since the late 1970s.  Planting as described above can help prevent this disease.  Research has shown that infected trees can be saved by pruning and destroying infected branches.  Saws or shears should be sanitized in Clorox or a similar solution after infected trees are pruned.