What is more a harbinger of spring, a sign that the warm weather is coming, than the rafts of pure white blossoms of the White Dogwood Tree among a forest of trees that are still bare? Fortunately, this lovely little tree is pleased to be grown in a yard near a patio, an outbuilding, or at the edge of a forest. Since it only grows to about 25 feet high with a 25-foot spread and sometimes not even that large, the yard can be a little smaller to accommodate it.
White Dogwood Tree Is Very Hardy
The tree grows best in hardiness zones 5 to 9 and appreciates moist, acidic loam, though it can tolerate clay or sandy soil. It’s a moderate grower and adds 13 to 24 inches per year. It prefers full sun to partial shade.
The tree, which is the state tree of both Missouri and Virginia, blooms from April to May, though in southern climates, the flowers can appear a couple of weeks earlier. The flowers, by the way, aren’t flowers but bracts that surround the actual flowers, which are green and inconspicuous.
Growing White Dogwood Tree
White Dogwood Tree's leaves are 4 to 8 inches long and oval and have unusual veining, making them look quilted. The tree itself needs little pruning, and seedlings can be grown from softwood cuttings. The tree can even be grown from seed, though the seeds need to be stratified to help them germinate. This means they must be in close layers in a moist growing medium.
White Dogwood Trees Stunning Appearance
White Dogwood Tree delights the eye with its spring flowers and fall foliage, which is beautiful scarlet, yellow, or orange. The flowers give way to brilliant red, 1/2-inch-long berries that are found in tight clusters in October and eagerly eaten by birds and other wildlife. Deer browse the bark and leaves. For year-round interest and ease of care, it’s hard to beat the tree.