The Beauty and Diversity of Dogwood Trees
- ehogrebe
- Sep 8
- 2 min read
When most people picture a dogwood tree, they imagine the iconic Cornus florida, or flowering dogwood. Its graceful white or pink blossoms, which brighten woodlands and gardens each spring, have made it one of the most recognizable ornamental trees in North America. But the genus Cornus is far more diverse than many realize, with numerous species that offer unique ecological and aesthetic value.
Beyond the Flowering Dogwood
The flowering dogwood deserves its reputation as a beloved native tree, but it is just one representative of a much larger group. Other dogwoods often go unnoticed, despite their importance in native ecosystems and their beauty in their own right.
Roughleaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii)
Found across much of the Midwest and Great Plains, roughleaf dogwood forms thickets that provide excellent cover for birds and other wildlife. Its summer flowers attract pollinators, and its clusters of white fruits are a valuable food source for migrating birds.
Gray Dogwood (Cornus racemosa)
A hardy shrub-like dogwood, gray dogwood is known for its adaptability to a wide range of soils. Its distinctive red stems and white berry clusters make it a striking presence in late summer, while its dense growth offers nesting habitat for songbirds.
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
Preferring wetter soils, silky dogwood thrives along streams and wetlands. Its bluish fruits are especially attractive to wildlife, and its creamy white flowers bring beauty to riparian habitats. This species plays a key role in stabilizing streambanks and supporting biodiversity.
The Ecological Role of Dogwoods
Across species, dogwoods are deeply intertwined with the health of native landscapes. Their flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Their fruits, whether white, blue, or black, are highly sought after by birds and small mammals. Many dogwoods also form dense thickets, creating shelter and nesting sites that strengthen local ecosystems.
Appreciating the Whole Genus
While the showy blossoms of the flowering dogwood often steal the spotlight, the other members of the Cornus family are equally worthy of recognition. Whether it’s the resilience of gray dogwood, the wildlife benefits of silky dogwood, or the adaptability of roughleaf dogwood, each species contributes to the diversity and resilience of our natural habitats.
By learning about and planting a wider range of dogwood species, we not only celebrate their beauty but also support the rich web of life that depends on them.
Plant your own dogwood today with RemembranceForest.com
