American Dogwood Tree Facts
There are over 50 species within the cornus or dogwood genus.
American dogwood tree facts. As long as you offer the tree plenty of water and sunshine like most plants the dogwood will do just fine. The dogwood one of the most popular trees in the country offers an unmatched four season display of beauty. Specifically dogwood roots provide red black and yellow dyes. American dogwood is a small deciduous tree which grows to the height of 10 meters and often wider than it is tall when mature having trunk diameter upto 30 cm.
Leaves are simple opposite ovate measuring 6 13 cm long and 4 6 cm broad with entire margins. An old tree will stand about 5 meters tall. Dogwoods are native to north america and are also native to asia and europe. The fruits are known as dogberries or houndberries.
It is an ornamental tree and is also known as hound s tree. Additional colors can be created by mixing dogwood root with other plants that provide dyes. One of the most interesting dogwood tree facts is that their roots are used to make dyes. The dogwood tree is a majestic ornamental well adapted to life in the united states.
The dogwood tree belongs to the family cornaceae and its scientific name is cornus florida. The dogwood name is derived from dagwood which refers to the trees earliest use as material for making daggers and swords. It turns a rich red brown in fall. The main attraction is the appearance of the showy white or pink flowers actually bracts that herald the arrival of spring.
America s founding fathers were big dogwood fans. There are several species of dogwood the roots of which provide different color dyes. Unfussy in its care requirements the dogwood readily thrives in the home landscape and grows quickly.