White Flowering Dogwood is widely regarded as the most beautiful of all the native trees, largely because of its spring flowers blooming from March through June.
 
     The flowers appear large, but in fact the flower itself is a small, green circle, about the size of a dime.  The show-stoppers are the four large, white brachts that open up framing the actual bloom.
 
     Bumble and other native bees, moths, flies and butterflies all flock to the Dogwood, which also is a larval host to the Spring Azure butterfly, Lo Moth, Cecropla Silkmoth,
False Crocus Geometer and dozens of others. 
 
     Flowering Dogwood does not fade with its flowers.  Rather, this tree creates beauty in all four seasons, with vibrant red fall foliage and glossy red fall fruits beloved by birds. 
 
    In Native Trees, Shrubs & Vines, William Cullina writes that the trees "can be so loaded with the fruits that robins sit in the branches, drowsy from gluttony."
 
     Flowering Dogwoods are small trees that look great next to larger buildings and near patios.  They're a good choice underneath utility lines.
 
     Flowering Dogwoods are susceptible to powdery mildew but should do well as long as their needs are met: moist, well-drained soil, lots of mulch and other organic material over their roots, afternoon shade and good air circulation, which can require occasional pruning of the canopy.  For more information on mildew, click here.
 
     Fun Fact: Native Americans extracted a red dye from the roots.