When it comes to identifying a dogwood tree, there are a few key characteristics to look out for. The most distinctive feature of a dogwood tree is its cross-shaped bracts, which can be either white or pink in color. These bracts are often what catch people’s attention and make dogwoods stand out in any garden or landscape.
To get a closer look at your tree and truly identify it as a dogwood, you can examine its flowers. Dogwood flowers are not actually the showy bracts that we commonly associate with them. Instead, the true flowers of a dogwood tree are small and inconspicuous, typically appearing as greenish-yellow clusters in the center of the bracts.
One method of identifying a dogwood tree is by observing its overall shape and size. Dogwoods are generally small to medium-sized trees, reaching heights of about 20 to 30 feet. They have a rounded or oval-shaped canopy with branches that spread out horizontally, giving the tree a graceful and elegant appearance.
Another characteristic to look for is the bark of the tree. Young dogwood trees typically have smooth, gray bark. As the tree matures, the bark develops shallow ridges and furrows, giving it a slightly rough texture. The bark color can vary between species, ranging from grayish-brown to dark brown.
During the spring and summer months, dogwoods produce leaves that are simple, opposite, and oval-shaped. The leaves have prominent veins and a smooth edge, and they are typically a medium to dark green color. In the fall, the leaves of many dogwood species turn vibrant shades of red, orange, or purple, adding a stunning display of color to your landscape.
When it comes to the dogwood’s fruit, it is important to note that not all dogwood trees bear fruit. However, for those that do, the fruit appears in late summer to early fall. Dogwood fruit is typically small, round, and berry-like, ranging in color from bright red to dark purple. These fruits are not typically consumed by humans but are a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
It’s worth mentioning that there are different species of dogwood trees, and each may have slight variations in their physical characteristics. For example, the Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) has larger bracts compared to other species, while the Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa) has pointed bracts and a longer bloom time.
To summarize, identifying a dogwood tree involves looking for the distinctive cross-shaped bracts, as well as the greenish-yellow clusters of true flowers in the center. Additionally, observing the tree’s overall shape, bark, leaves, and fruit can help confirm its identity as a dogwood. Remember that there are different species of dogwoods, each with its own unique features, so taking note of these variations can further aid in accurate identification.
