“Cornus florida” is the proper name of the native dogwood trees you see growing on the edge of the woods throughout northern New Jersey.

It is native to the eastern half of the United States from northern New England down into Mexico.

As long as the tree has a steady supply of moisture – not too much and not too little – it isn’t fussy about the conditions it lives in.

It provides shelter for birds and small animals, pollen for insects and berries for animals to eat.

It prefers the warmth of southern climates where it can grow over 40 feet tall but it still does well in our area where it reaches a respectable 35 feet in height.  It can be a bit wider than tall but has a nice proportion that has made it a well-liked ornamental trees for residential properties.

The native flowers are usually white or a pale cream color but the tree has been developed into hybrids with colored flowers, different leaves and sizes that fit any landscaping project.