Cornus florida – Flowering Dogwood

Perhaps North America’s premier small flowering tree. The “flowers” are actually bracts that surround a central cluster of small flowers. These flowers give rise to clusters of berries that turn crimson at about the same time the foliage is changing to burgundy – the flush of colors is designed to let birds know it’s time for a feast. Tolerates shady conditions, but for best performance grow in a mostly sunny spot with moist soil.