SMALL CANOPY TREE; BLOOMS FOR WEEKS STARTING MID-SPRING; LIKES TO BE PLANTED IN THE SHADE OF OTHER TREES; BIRDS LOVE THEM.

Species: Cornus florida

Plant Size, Type & Delivery Height: Single Stem; 1.5” diameter trunk; Greater than 6 Feet Tall; Balled & Burlap

Mature Height: 25 feet

Growth Rate: Medium; 13-24”/year

Sunlight: Part Shade to Full Sun

Drought & Heat Tolerant: Not Really

Description:  The dogwood tree is a springtime favorite.  Blooming sometime after the red buds and cherry trees, dogwoods keep springtime’s color burst going with bright white flowers that last for weeks.  It also has stunning fall color and beautiful non-messy red berries which are a nice snack for passing birds.  Dogwoods are an understory tree and are not particularly drought tolerant.  Too often we see folks planting these in full sun where they will struggle with Nashville’s blistering heat.  Consider planting these on yard edges in the part-shade of another tree or house. 

Growing Considerations:  This tree is an under-story tree meaning it likes part-shade with exposure to direct sunlight for part of the day.  It prefers moist soil as well.  Despite these preferences, the tree is adaptable, and can tolerate periods of drought and full fun, but it certainly will be more likely to struggle and increase mortality of the tree.  The dogwood is not a tree that should be planted near asphalt and concrete but is an excellent tree for a neighborhood yard in the shade of another tree or a house.