Native dogwood trees are beloved trees, especially when blooming in the spring. Dogwoods are known for their gorgeous flowers, berries loved by birds, and their fiery leaf color in the fall. There are 30+ dogwood species worldwide; 12 dogwoods are native to the United States and Canada (including some of the most gorgeous ones!) Learn how to plant and care for them, and how to spot these iconic native trees below.
- Full Sun, Part Sun
- Height depends on species
- Spring flowers
- Easy to find
North America’s native dogwoods are a beloved part of American storytelling and gardening, including being planted by both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson.
In this guide, we’ll explore the 12 unique native dogwood species (not including cultivars), their distinguishing features, native ranges, tips for finding and caring for them, as well as the challenges you may encounter. By the end, you’ll be inspired to plant a few native dogwoods in your garden.
First off…’dogwood’ is a very strange name. You’re probably wondering…
Where did the name Dogwood come from?
The name ‘dogwood’ has a fun, culinary backstory. The name comes from its smooth, straight twigs that long-ago generations used as skewers for cooking meat. These skewers were once called ‘dags’ or ‘dogs’, so essentially, dogwood means ‘skewer wood.’
Now, let’s meet the 12 “skewer-trees” native to North America:
Native species of dogwood
These native dogwoods are all worthy of planting in our gardens, ASAP. We’ve organized them into two groups: single-flowers and clumps of flowers.
Native dogwoods with single flowers
Fun nerd note:
Technically, the following three dogwood “flowers” are not true flowers; they are bracts. A bract is a modified leaf that looks like a petal. An example of another plant with bract “flowers” is poinsettias.
1.
Eastern Flowering Dogwood
Cornus Florida
If you’ve been on the East Coast and seen a gorgeous small tree covered in rounded four-petaled flowers, it was probably an Eastern Flowering Dogwood. This native tree covers itself in flowers in the mid to late spring. In the fall, its leaves turn beautiful dark red. It is a perfect statement tree. (Trivia bonus: the Latin species name Florida doesn’t come from the state—florida is Latin for flowering.)
2.
Pacific Dogwood
Cornus nuttallii
Pacific Dogwood has showy white bracts and is the official flower of British Columbia, Canada. It looks very similar to the Eastern Flowering Dogwood but—as you probably guessed—is native to the west coast.
3.
Bunchbush or Creeping Dogwood
Cornus canadensis
Bunchbush or Creeping Dogwood is the shortest of the dogwoods, at only 6″ high. It is a lovely groundcover option. In the spring, it covers itself in the four-petaled flowers seen in Pacific and Eastern Flowering Dogwood trees. A perfect choice for shady areas.
Native dogwoods with clumps of flowers
4.
Alternate-leafed or Pagoda Dogwood
Cornus alternifolia
Alternative-leaf Dogwoods grow branches in long horizontal layers, almost like a cake, giving an architectural elegance. They cover these branches with creamy small flowers in the late spring/early summer, turning into dark blue berries in the early fall. These fruits are bird favorites. They are a perfect statement tree.
5.
Gray Dogwood
Cornus racemosa
Looking for a verdant privacy fence that will be covered in birds? Gray Dogwoods are for you. Gray Dogwoods form thick walls of shrubbery, which are then covered in flowers, tiny white berries, and brightly covered stems. Gray Dogwoods like a wide range of soil, making them perfect for beginner gardeners. It’s a four-season stunner that’s a no-brainer to plant.
6.
Green Osier Dogwood
Cornus viridissima
Green Osiers stems are bright yellow-green and highly visible when their leaves fall in the winter. Green Osiers flower in the late spring to early summer with yellow flowers.
7.
Red Osier Dogwood
Cornus sericea
Red Osiers’ stems look hand-dipped in red paint when their leaves fall in the winter. Red Osiers flower in the late spring to early summer with lightly scented white flowers. In the fall, leaves turn orange. Red Osiers prefers wetter areas (perfect for rain gardens.)
8.
Round-leaved Dogwood
Cornus rugosa
Round-leaved Dogwood shrubs can quickly thrive and create dense growth, thanks to their ability to expand via suckers. Their leaves offer beautiful dappled shade. White flowers and white berries offer food for both pollinators and birds.
9.
Silky Dogwood
Cornus amomum
Silky Dogwood showcases silky-haired leaves, white flowers, and vibrant blue fruit. (Sorry, the fruit is edible only to birds.)
10.
Swamp or Stiff Dogwood
Cornus foemina
Swamp or Stiff Dogwood thrives in wet areas and can handle a range of soil conditions. Swamp Dogwood is perfect for rain gardens.
Other native dogwood species
Besides these 10 species of native dogwood, there are two more including:
- Rough-Leaved Dogwood (Cornus drummondii): Features rough-textured leaves, creamy white blooms, and bluish-black fruit.
- Blackfruit Dogwood (Cornus sessilis) is native only to California
What about a dogwood with pink flowers?
That is probably a Pink Dogwood, a variety of the Eastern Flowering Dogwood. You’ll know they are related by their Latin name: Cornus Florida variety rubra. (Sometimes the term ‘variety‘ is shortened to ‘var.’)
The term variety describes plants curated by humans to look/behave in a certain way. To learn where varieties come from, read our quick overview on cultivars, which also explains varieties.
What dogwood species are not native?
As mentioned earlier, there are around 30 dogwood species worldwide. We already met the 12 North American natives. The rest are native to Asia and Europe. You often encounter some of the non-native species in yards and plant nurseries, including:
- Siberian Dogwood (Cornus alba) known for its red stems—but plant a Red Osier if you want this!
- Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa) has white flowers, similar to the Eastern White and Pacific Dogwood. It’s unclear why this is used so much in American landscaping when the Eastern Flowering and Pacific Dogwoods are just as gorgeous and thrive in North America. (Kousas are native to Japan.)
Whenever possible—plant native dogwoods. As you can see from the list of 12 native North American dogwoods above, there is a remarkable native dogwood alternative for every one of the non-native dogwoods.
And one more reason to plant native dogwoods… 🦋
Dogwoods are host plants for the Spring Azure butterfly
Native dogwoods are host plants for the stunning Spring Azure butterfly. If you need one more reason why we should plant native dogwoods over non-native dogwoods—this is it. Non-native dogwoods do not provide a food source for these beautiful creatures. Simply put, to keep Blue Azures alive, we need to plant native dogwoods.
Planting native dogwoods ensures our gardens and landscapes look amazing, and that wildlife has the food and homes to keep thriving.
What is a host plant?
A host plant is a specific plant that a bug, butterfly, or caterpillar eats, lives on, or lays its eggs on.
If you’re looking for other flowering native shrubs and trees…
There are many other native flowering trees
If you’re interested in other native trees and shrubs that make gorgeous flowers, there are lots to pick from. Favorite flowering trees like magnolias, Redbud, Tulip Poplars, Carolina Silverbell, Franklin Trees, and Pawpaws are gorgeous, alongside flowering shrubs like Oakleaf Hydrangea, Sweetshrub, Mountain Laurel, and Azaleas.
Congratulations, you’ve met the North American native dogwoods! These trees have been prized for centuries for their beauty and they are ready to flourish in your yard. With various species to choose from, you’ll find the perfect fit for your region and gardening goals. Visit local nurseries, explore the options, and bring their gorgeousness into your yard. Ready to meet more native tree families? Head over to our Beginner’s Guide to Native Magnolias. Happy planting!
Sources
- Nelson, Gil. Best Native Plants for Southern Gardens: A Handbook for Gardeners, Homeowners, and Professionals, (2010).
- Environmental Horticulture Department, UF/IFAS Extension, “Cornus Florida, Var. Rubra.” Edward F. Gilman, professor, Environmental Horticulture Department; Dennis G. Watson, former associate professor, Agricultural Engineering Department, UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville FL 32611. (PDF.)
- Flowering Dogwood – Southern Research Station – USDA.
