Cornus florida
Native to North America
STATE DISTRIBUTION (USDA): AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, MS, NC, NH, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TN, TX, VA, VT, WV
CANADIAN DISTRIBUTION: ON
Flowering Dogwood Identification and Relationship with Birds
A small deciduous tree commonly used as an ornamental due to it showy white flowers and oblong red fruits, the Flowering Dogwood ranges from 15 to 40 feet tall, with a 15 to 30-foot spread. The flowers bloom in spring and make the tree a fantastic backdrop for bird photography (as do the leaves, which turn a brilliant shade of red in the fall). Insects (the number one source of food for wild birds) and hummingbirds are drawn in by the flowers. The Flowering Dogwood supports many species of butterflies and moths. The red fruits mature in fall and generally only last as long as the birds dictate, they are a particular favorite of the American Robin (though many birds will literally flock to eat them).