4 Types Of Dogwood Trees In Kentucky (Photos & Identification)

Kentucky has a rich tapestry of natural wonders and scenic wonders that enchant every visitor. The state is adorned with an array of lush plants, enhancing its picturesque allure. Flowering dogwood trees, among these natural treasures, adorn the landscape with their exquisite blooms.

Beyond the familiar flowering dogwoods, Kentucky is home to a diverse range of dogwood tree species. These trees are members of the dogwood family, which includes around 10 genera and 100 species that thrive in various parts of the world, particularly in the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere.

This article takes you on a journey through four types of dogwood trees in Kentucky, including both native and non-native varieties, providing insights into the state’s rich botanical heritage.

Let’s begin.

1. Flowering Dogwood

• Scientific Name: Cornus florida
• Common Name(s): Flowering Dogwood
• Mature Height: 30 to 40 feet with a greater spread
• Native Region: Massachusetts to Florida, west to Texas, Mexico, and Ontario
• Flowers: White or pink bracts, not true flowers; effective for 10 to 14 days in April or early May
• Fruit: Glossy red drupe, ripens in September to October, attracts birds
• Uses: Ornamental trees, wood for specialized products, medicinal uses in traditional remedies

Flowering dogwood, scientifically known as Cornus florida, is a natural tree famed for its spectacular spring blooms. Its characteristic flowers, which are leaf-like bracts, are white or pink and provide a stunning sight in April or early May. 

This deciduous tree has an appealing flat-topped crown and grows to heights of 30 to 40 feet with a broad spread. Its opposite and simple leaves emerge bronze-green, turning dark green in the summer and displaying bright crimson to reddish-purple hues in the fall.

This species flourishes in woodland environments across a wide range, from Massachusetts to Florida, and westward to Texas, Mexico, and Ontario. It is a common understory tree in its natural habitat, preferring acidic, well-drained soils rich in organic matter.

Flowers, Fruits, and Wildlife: The true flowers of the tree are greenish-yellow and inconspicuous, but the flamboyant bracts steal the show, providing a beautiful display. The dogwood produces shiny red drupes in the fall, which last until mid-December, and are an important food source for birds.

Care Instructions for Kentucky Landscapes: For best results, plant blooming dogwood in moderate shade in Kentucky. It grows best in well-drained, acidic soil and benefits from mulching to keep soil moisture levels stable. It does not, however, withstand poorly drained soils, drought, or pollution. 

Unfortunately, it is vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases, including borers and anthracnose, which can be controlled with adequate care and attention.

Flowering dogwood has historical significance, having been used in Native American malaria cures and even as a substitute for quinine during the Civil War. It is still a popular ornamental tree, valued for its aesthetic appeal as well as its ecological usefulness, with its copious fruit supporting local bird populations.

2. Pagoda Dogwood

• Scientific Name: Cornus alternifolia  
• Common Name(s): Pagoda Dogwood  
• Mature Height: 15 to 25 feet tall, maybe 1.5 times that wide  
• Native Region: New Brunswick to Minnesota, and south to Georgia and Alabama  
• Flowers: Yellowish white, fragrant flowers in May to early June, arranged in cymes 1½ to 2½ inches in diameter  
• Fruit: Bluish black drupe present in July and August, borne on bright red stalks  
• Uses: Attractive ornamental tree, naturalized landscapes, shade provider, food source for small mammals and birds

Pagoda Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) is a tiny tree with a distinctive shape, with horizontal branches that form appealing tiers. The roughly parallel branches give the plant a textured appearance. 

This tree blooms in May to early June with highly fragrant yellowish-white flowers, followed by bluish-black fruits in July or August. The leaves are simple, clustered on the tips of the twigs, medium to dark green, and 2 to 5 inches long. While the fall foliage is not spectacular, it can be reddish purple.

Pagoda Dogwood grows in areas extending from New Brunswick to Minnesota, and south to Georgia and Alabama. It prefers moist, acidic, well-drained soil. It prefers partial shade but can withstand full sun. It is critical to keep the root zone cold and moist. The tree is hardy in USDA Zones 3–7, however, it can only withstand brief periods of dryness. Twig blight, leaf spot, and canker are all diseases that can affect Pagoda Dogwood.

Pagoda Dogwood is a lovely ornamental tree in Kentucky landscapes, providing not only visual appeal but also shade. The berries of the tree are a major source of food for tiny mammals and birds. When planting, it’s best to use nursery-grown plants because wild plants don’t transplant well. 

Pagoda Dogwood thrives on the north or east sides of buildings, where it receives only partial sunshine during the day. This attractive tree grows successfully in Kentucky gardens and landscapes with careful attention to soil moisture and appropriate planting placements.

3. Kausa Dogwood

• Scientific Name: Cornus kousa  
• Common Name(s): Kousa Dogwood  
• Mature Height: 15 to 30 feet tall, maybe slightly wider than tall  
• Native Region: East Asia, including Korea, China, and Japan  
• Flowers: Showy, creamy white or pink bracts resembling petals in late spring  
• Fruit: Raspberry-like red berries in late summer to fall  
• Uses: Ornamental tree, landscaping, specimen planting, attracts birds and butterflies

The Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), which originated in East Asia, is a versatile and artistically appealing tree that is widely found in Kentucky landscapes. It produces a little wider than tall shape with a mature height of 15 to 30 feet, making it an ideal choice for landscaping. 

The late spring display of beautiful, creamy white or pink bracts that resemble petals, generating a great visual impact, is one of its most appealing aspects. Kousa Dogwood yields raspberry-like red berries later in the season, giving decorative value and drawing birds and butterflies to the yard.

Aside from its visual appeal, Kousa Dogwood is a low-maintenance plant that is popular among gardeners. It grows well in well-drained soil and may take light shade, but prefers full sun for optimal blooms. Proper watering is essential for good growth, especially during dry spells. 

The tree is often resistant to a wide range of pests and diseases, which increases its overall resilience in a variety of conditions.

Aside from its attractiveness, Kousa Dogwood performs several functions in Kentucky environments. It looks great as a specimen plant, with its graceful structure and vivid blossoms. It is frequently used by landscapers to enhance garden borders or to create focal points in outdoor environments. 

Its capacity to attract wildlife, such as birds and butterflies, adds to its ecological value, making it an excellent addition to any garden.

4. Red Twig Dogwood

• Scientific Name: Cornus sericea
• Common Name(s): Red Twig Dogwood, Red Osier Dogwood
• Mature Height: 3 to 12 feet tall
• Native Region: North America, including parts of Canada and the United States
• Flowers: Small, white clusters in late spring to early summer
• Fruit: Small white berries in late summer to fall
• Uses: Erosion control, ornamental landscaping, wildlife habitat, decorative winter stems

Red Twig Dogwood, formally known as Cornus sericea, is a multipurpose deciduous shrub prized for its brilliant red stems, which are especially noticeable in the winter. This tough shrub grows 3 to 12 feet tall and forms dense thickets in marshy environments. 

During the growing season, its simple, opposing leaves are green, creating a stunning backdrop to the petite, clustered white blooms that bloom in late spring to early summer. As autumn approaches, gorgeous blossoms give place to clusters of little white berries, which add to the visual appeal.

Red Twig Dogwood is native to North America, where it can be found in a variety of environments such as damp woodlands, along streams, and in wetlands. It thrives in both sunny and somewhat shaded areas, making it adaptable to a variety of conditions.

The white blossoms of the shrub are not only beautiful but also beneficial to pollinators. It yields little white berries from late summer to fall, which provide food for birds and other creatures. Its ecological significance extends to erosion management, making it an excellent choice for riparian soil stabilization.

Red Twig Dogwood thrives in Kentucky landscapes, particularly in regions with enough precipitation. It grows well in well-drained soil and can withstand rainy circumstances, making it a good choice for rain gardens and near-water features. Regular trimming, preferably in late winter or early spring, aids in the preservation of its brilliant red stems, which are the star of this plant, particularly in winter landscapes.

Red Twig Dogwood offers important ecological roles in addition to its decorative value, making it a useful addition to both natural and groomed areas. This dogwood variety adds beauty and ecological benefits to Kentucky gardens, whether utilized for erosion control, as an appealing ornamental shrub, or to improve winter settings.

Common Dogwood Trees In Kentucky – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In this section, I will walk you through some of the most commonly asked questions about dogwood trees in Kentucky.

Similar Articles

• Maple Trees In Kentucky
• Berry Trees In Kentucky
• Oak Trees In Kentucky
• Hickory Trees In Kentucky
• Ash Trees In Kentucky
• Cypress Trees In Kentucky
• Pine Trees In Kentucky
• Elm Trees In Kentucky
• Magnolia Trees In Kentucky
• Birch Trees In Kentucky
• Cedar Trees In Kentucky
• Locust Trees In Kentucky

Sources

The Regional Gardening team makes sure that the information in our articles is accurate by only using sources that are known to be trustworthy. Some of these sources are peer-reviewed journals from government agencies, well-known universities, and scientific research organizations.

1. Common Kentucky Trees, Department of Forestry & Natural Sources, University of Kentucky
2. Native Trees Of Kentucky, Department of Horticulture, University of Kentucky.
3. Trees & Shrubs of Kentucky, Book By Mary E. Wharton and Roger W. Barbour, University Press Of Kentucky