Its bright green leaves turn red in fall, and fuzzy-white flowers are found in springtime, giving way to bluish-white fruits. The flowers will remain intact for several weeks, followed by glossy green foliage. Honeysuckle. There are approximately 17 dogwood varieties that are native to North America. A good provider of salt and high in calcium and potassium, dogwood aids in the rehabilitation of the body after illness. Look for types that are advertised as having a moderate growth rate rather than a high growth rate. There are 17 types of species of dogwood trees out there and we will cover them all in this section. It is a small tree, growing to around 20 feet tall, that sheds every year and has pink, white, red flowers. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Different dogwood species also have different fruits that can be used to help identify the species. The easiest way to identify the kousa dogwood is by its distinctive mottled bark and red fruits. If pollination occurs, the flowers develop into showy, red berries, each one about 1/2 inch . However, only four of those are popularly grown. Brown Dogwood 2. Avoid over-fertilizing your dogwood plantsit can cause the leaves to burn or can even kill the plant. The deciduous dogwood leaves turn burgundy red before taking on deeper shades of purple. Small creamy white flowers in flat clusters bloom in June. The 13 Different Types of Dogwood Trees 1. Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) tree and flowers. U.S. Department of Agriculture Fire Effects Information System. Unfortunately, the small round globous red fruits also are packed with seeds, making them difficult to eat. It grows well in full sun or partial shade, and though it prefers moist and rich soils, it will adapt to other soil types. Besides being small to medium trees, dogwoods are also a group of shrubs recognized by their bright red bark. The trees bark is grayish or dark brown, becoming rough and patchy as it matures. The most common dogwood tree with red berries is the kousa dogwood. They will also consume other types of fruit including grapes, cherries, mulberries, and blueberries; however, their diet consists mostly of insects during breeding season. In fall, the foliage will develop to intense shades of red and purple before falling to the ground. Dogwoods usually don't do well in extreme heat or dry conditions. Native to eastern Asia, the kousa dogwood also goes by the names Chinese dogwood, Korean dogwood, and Japanese dogwood. The Cornelian Cherry dogwood produces berries that can be used as an ingredient for preserves, pies, and sauces, though it is said to have a slightly bitter taste. It is native to North America, growing from southern Ontario in Canada, down through the eastern United States, into northern Mexico. Between March and May, the dogwood trees are in full bloom. Although generally found in moist locations in the wild, this species also has a good tolerance for dry conditions once the plants are established. By summer, the showy blooms give way to berries that resemble cherries, hence the common name for the tree of Cornelian Cherry. 9 Great Spring-Flowering Trees and Shrubs, 10 Best Deer-Resistant Shrubs for Landscaping, 11 Best Trees That Grow in Shade for Years, 12 Popular Types of Magnolia Trees and Shrubs, 10 Colorful Flowering Trees for Your Yard, 15 Best Plants for Drought-Tolerant Gardens, Cornus Canadensis (Bunchberry, Canadian Bunchberry, Canadian Dwarf Cornel, Dwarf Dogwood), Dogwood - Cornus spp. Native to California and Oregon, the brown Dogwood is also known as western cornel or smooth Dogwood. Don't eat Dogwood berries. There are several types of dogwood trees producing berries. The 17 types of dogwood trees in this genus that are native to the United States also include some species that are best described as subshrubsfast-growing woody plants that tend to die back in the winter to ground level and grow back from buds near the base of the plant. This Dogwood prefers moist areas along a stream, pond edge, or shrub borders. Please read on to find out more about these beautiful flowering trees. This Chinese native tree is evergreen, as you may have guessed from the name, which makes it quite unusual for a dogwood. They are also known for theiropposite branching,a characteristic that can help identify the kind of dogwood tree you have. Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) grows on the West Coast in a band between San Francisco and British Columbia. The plant is characterized by its elliptical to oval-shaped leaves and dull white blooms that sprout in late spring. It is a member of the subgenera Chamaepericlymenum and is a very low-growing plant that spreads by rhizomes. In the fall, the vine produces red or orange berries. The 15 types of Dogwood trees include: Flowering Dogwood Common Dogwood Mountain Dogwood Kousa Dogwood Gray Dogwood Cornelian Dogwood Canadian Bunchberry Stiff Dogwood Pagoda Dogwood Rough Leaf Dogwood Red Twig Dogwood Giant Dogwood Siberian Dogwood Himalayan Dogwood Brown Dogwood Red Osier Dogwood Cornus Glabrata Dogwood Walter's Dogwood In general, it takes a dogwood tree about five to seven years before it is ready and matures enough to flower. Its leaves are dark green, and they have prominent veins. Dogwood trees and shrubs (Cornus spp.) However, there is considerable debate on whether dogwood berries should be reclassified. Silky hairs cover the leaves and twigs. Flowering Dogwood Image By: Piqsels The flowering dogwood is the species that most people associate with the name dogwood. The branches grow low on the plant and in layers, leaving only about a foot or two uncovered. Here are some exciting dogwood facts before we get into the different kinds of dogwood trees, edibility, and proper tree care. Read the following subsections to learn more about the deer-resistant types of dogwood. Zone 4 Dogwood Trees - Planting Dogwood Trees In Cold Climates, Kousa Dogwood Care: Tips For Growing Kousa Dogwood Trees, Bushes That Grow In Zone 4: Growing Shrubs In Zone 4 Gardens, How To Create A Secret Garden In Your Own Backyard, Reasons For No Brussels Sprouts On Plants, Can You Propagate Forsythia: How To Propagate Forsythia Shrubs, Palm Tree Care Tips For Planting A Palm Tree In The Garden, What Is A Jatropha Curcas Tree: Jatropha Uses In The Landscape, Growing Carissa Shrubs: How To Grow A Carissa Natal Plum, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Celestial Dogwood ( Cornus x 'Rutdan') - The white bracts overlap and have a green tinge, although they become pure white after a few days. You can harvest the fruit of this tree once it has ripened and fallen to the ground, and use it to make liquors, jams, desserts, pickles, and sauces. It is also slightly hardier than the Flowering dogwood. Red Osier Dogwood 13. The berries contain solanine, a toxic alkaloid. Fall foliage color is red to purple. The berries of the Flowering Dogwood, on the other hand, start to ripen in October just as songbirds need them to fuel their migration. This early blooming habit helps distinguish Cornelian cherry dogwoods from other species in the genus Cornus. Dogwood berries (botanists call them drupes) are about quarter-inch to a bit more than a 1/2-inch long. It grows best in full sun to partial shade, approximately six hours of sunlight a day. . It is native to the eastern and southeastern United States. Cuttings need early protection with a planting dome and grow lights before planting in the ground. Monrovia describes the aurora dogwood (Cornus x Rutban) as having creamy white blossoms with a silky feel. You can eat the fruit of Cornus kousa - Korean Dogwood - Chinese Dogwood - Japanese Dogwood Flowering dogwood is susceptible to anthracnose, a devastating and incurable disease that can kill the tree. Ornamental cornelian cherries are the most popular type to be seen in residential gardens. Although uncommon in the wild, it is typically found along the Mississippi River and around many forest borders. The tree is identified by its vase habit that becomes rounded with age. Identifying species of dogwood trees with red berries is vital because not all trees produce edible berries. 3. This type of Dogwood has dark-green, lance-shaped leaves which transform to a purplish-red color in the fall. Silky dogwood is a large to medium-sized native shrub with creamy white spring flowers , dark green foliage, and reddish stems and burgundy fall color. This is a good specimen tree for a location with acidic soil and afternoon shade. If the berries get demolished, the berry stalks will remain on the tree, adding a shock of color. In fall, the foliage becomes a mix of yellow and maroon. Some dogwood berries look like bright scarlet-red grape-like fruits growing in tight clusters. The Silky Dogwood is a large to medium-sized deciduous shrub that can reach a height of 6 to 12 feet. They thrive in USDA zones 5 through 8. Variegated Red Twig Dogwood Cornus alba 'argenteomarginata', Zones 3 to 7 There's a lot to love about dogwood, especially the variegated types. The tree is also known as red and white dogwood, and yellow dogwood. The plant generally does best in moist conditions but can also have excellent tolerance for drier conditions once established. This can help you in narrowing down your choice of what dogwood tree to use for specific spots in your landscape. Because of how beautiful they are throughout the year, they are a popular choice for any environment. While there are 17 types of dogwoods native to North America, the following 12 varieties are most commonly found. Dogwood trees are a collection of tree species that belong to the dogwood genus ' Cornus'. Flowering dogwood trees grow 15 to 30 ft. (4.5 9 m) tall and wide. Kousa dogwood berries are sweeter and can be enjoyed by humans fresh from the plant. The 15 types of Dogwood trees include: Though, you are not limited to just these options. While this dogwoods fruit isnt suitable for humans, upland game birds and songbirds love it. Zones: 4-8. This species produces yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves appear. Thus, apricots, bananas, and grapes, as well as bean pods, corn grains, tomatoes, cucumbers, and (in their shells) acorns and almonds, are all technically fruits. And there are many types of dogwood trees producing berries in various colors. Copyright 2023. The leaves of the white dogwood are edible, as well. Dogwoods thrive in rich, damp but well-draining soil that's slightly acidic. Whereas the fall leaves feature typically have traces of gold or rose. Silky Dogwood 16. Due to their size, they are most often used in parks or organized landscaping designs. The popular kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) and Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) are tasty, sweet berries with hard seeds in the flesh. Of all the varieties of dogwood, gardeners are most familiar with the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida). Clemson University Cooperative Extension. If there is a chance of human consumption or contact, always check out the species before planting it. Common Dogwood This type of dogwood, known as Cornus sanguinea, is native to Europe and Western Asia. Cornelian cherry dogwood is another name for this berry, and it creates clusters of tiny yellow flowers. The bark of this plant may be a reddish, purple, or brown color, which offers interest in the winter when the leaves have all dropped. This is a spectacular small tree or medium shrub which blooms very early in the year. This may be a tree to avoid planting near the sidewalk or porch. Do not eat the fruit of this plant, as it is considered mildly toxic. A few species, however, have leaves that alternate on the stems. What Is the Difference Between Garlic Salt and Garlic Powder? C. alternifolia produces blue -- almost black -- berries on lovely red stems. 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Dogwood Identification, Sizes, and Growing Requirements. In more severe cases, hallucinations, paralysis, fever, jaundice and death have been reported. Kousa dogwood flowers are actually small green flowers surrounded by four, pointed, snow-white bracts. Its leaves form in clusters, and the cream-colored blooms thoroughly cover the plants branches. Identifying Dogwood Trees by Fruit. You can use the cherry-like fruit in preserves. The popular kousa dogwood is a small deciduous tree with spectacular white blossoms, globose pink to red berries, and a vase-shaped crown. The fall fruit looks like raspberries and its edible if you can tolerate the mealy texture. Also known as the European Dogwood and the Bloodtwig Dogwood, the common Dogwood is native to Europe and Western Asia. The flesh has a soft, slippery, custard-like consistency. The drupes are red and shiny with smooth skin. The flowers are also the state flower of North Carolina. Each fruit is 1/4 inch in . Nonpoisonous Berries. Young versions of this plant may also sport appealing red stems, but this usually fades to a dull green when the plant matures. Before you plant this type of plant, make sure to check your local regulations, as it may be discouraged. Partial to full sun. Use a protective tree sleeve or tube on the tree trunk until the dogwood is established. After pollination, they produce a type of fruit known as a drupe. The white dogwood is the one that has edible berries. It is a large deciduous shrub or a thicket-forming bush, with exceptionally limber branches that extend to the ground. Also known as alternate-leaf dogwood, this plant is one of very few dogwood tree leaves that are arranged alternately rather than in opposite positions on the stems. Some of the types of Dogwood you can grow in your garden are: 1. Definitely a good patio tree that provides immediate shade. Thornless Trees. Besides beautiful foliage, this one offers bird-pleasing berries, exceptional fall color and striking red stems in the winter. European Atlas of Forest Tree Species. Cultivars and Varieties: Cornus alba 'Sibirica'-Siberian Dogwood, Cornus alba 'Kesselringii'-Black Stem Dogwood, Cornus alba 'Elegantissima'-White Dogwood This type of dogwood is highly ornamental, making a colorful display that changes with the seasons. Leaves on a kousa dogwood tree are shiny, dark green simple oval to lance-shaped leaves growing oppositely on branches. Designed and Developed by iupilon.com, This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Mature Cornelian cherry dogwood trees have scaly, exfoliating bark. Here are 3 dogwood trees that have red berries that people can make their selections from. Wild animals, such as small birds, use the thickets for nesting and cover since it grows from root sprouts. Being a Los Angeles resident, Jessica spends a lot of her time looking for her next DIY project and sharing her love for home design. Up the impact by pairing with yellow twig varieties. Kousa dogwood is a relatively slow-growing tree that increases in height between 12 and 24 (30 60 cm) annually. This plant grows best in full sun to partial shade areas and can reach a maximum height between six and 12 feet. The Canadian bunchberry, often known simply as bunchberry or dwarf cornel, is considered a herbaceous subshrub of this group. The shrub's showiness comes from large white bracts that dwarf the true flowers. Flowering dogwoods do best in partial shade and thrive in the northeasts acidic soil. With species that are native to Asia, Europe, and North America, as well as dozens of cultivars, you'll have no problem choosing a dogwood tree suited to your purpose. This, paired with an average height of 20 feet, dogwoods can make an impressive addition to your garden. The blooming of dogwood blooms marks the beginning of maize sowing according to Native American beliefs and practices. Looking at pictures of the scaly bark, it appears broken into small blocks on the tree. To grow the shrub-like tree as a single-stemmed specimen, youll need to remove suckers regularly to prevent producing a dogwood shrub. http://bkeller.thrivelife.comShop at our. Common names: Evergreen Dogwood, Himalayan Dogwood, Himalayan Strawberry Tree, Common names: Flowering Dogwood, Common White Dogwood, Common names: Mountain Dogwood, Pacific Dogwood, Pacific Flowering Dogwood. Leaves appear slightly hardier than the flowering dogwood Image by: Piqsels the flowering dogwood Image:. Soft, slippery, custard-like consistency kill the plant generally does best in partial shade thrive. The fruit of this plant may also sport appealing red stems in rehabilitation... Deeper shades of purple more severe cases, hallucinations, paralysis, fever, jaundice and death have reported! 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Tree for a dogwood shrub this is a very low-growing plant that spreads by.. Rutban ) as having a moderate growth rate the easiest way to berries that can... Rutban ) as having a moderate growth rate rather than a 1/2-inch long areas! Member of the body after illness need to remove suckers regularly to prevent producing a dogwood types are., giving way to bluish-white fruits a dull green when the plant is characterized by vase! There and we will cover them all in this section to grow the shrub-like tree as a single-stemmed specimen youll... Green foliage well-draining soil that 's slightly acidic clusters bloom in early spring before the leaves appear dogwood. Distinguish Cornelian cherry dogwood trees include: Though, you are not limited to these... Usually do n't do well in extreme heat or dry conditions of human consumption or contact, always out...