Cornus florida
Flowering Dogwood is listed as “endangered” in Ontario and Canada under the Endangered Species Act. This is mainly due to the Dogwood Anthracnose Fungus, as well as habitat loss and fragmentation. In Canada, it is only found growing wild in Southwestern Ontario. Flowering Dogwood is a small tree that can grow to 3-10m in height. This tree is mainly known for its showy spring blooms. The true flowers are small, yellow in colour, and grow in clusters. They are surrounded by four showy, white protective bracts that look like flower petals. The leaves are arranged opposite along the stem and are oval in shape, turning red or purple in the fall. Bright red fruits are produced in late summer and attract a variety of birds and small mammals.
Flowering Dogwood can tolerate full sun, but prefers to grow in part-shade conditions. It is not tolerant of severe drought and prefers moist, acidic soils. Trees should be watered frequently until they become established, as stresses like heat and drought can make trees more susceptible to disease.
