Pink dogwood is a type of flowering tree that produces brightly colored pink flowers, typically from April through June. The pink dogwood tree also bears crimson colored berries. These berries are relished by wild birds indigenous to North America. The scientific name for the pink dogwood is Cornus Florida Rubra. This type of tree belongs to the Cornaceae family, and the flowers may be seen in white or other color variations.
Flowering dogwoods commonly grow in marshy areas and around lakes across North America. In addition to the pink variety, red, reddosier and red cloud dogwood may be found in the eastern United States as well. These types of trees are typically smaller than other trees that grow alongside of them. The pink dogwood tree will generally grow to a height of approximately 28-32 inches (71-76 centimeters). It is common for the green leaves to grow to approximately 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) in length, while the pink flowered blooms measure somewhat larger.
It is common to find the pink dogwood growing in moist soil, alongside of taller trees, such as oak, maple and pine. Most commonly, the dogwood grows wild in hardwood forests of the eastern United States. The pink dogwood bears fruit from September through December, and is generally not a long lived variety. Wild birds of North America, as well as racoons, squirrels, and deer thrive on the fruit of the dogwood tree.
The dogwood tree bark is typically a brownish gray color with a very rough texture. The bark of the pink dogwood tree is a particularly tough grain, making it suitable for constructing various wooden contraptions. Throughout history, farmers had used the bark of the dogwood to make useful tools. These days, dogwood varieties are planted as ornamental additions to backyards and patio areas.
When planting pink dogwood, it is best not to plant the tree in direct sunlight. Without adequate shade, the flowers may not fully bloom or they may shrivel. Adequate drainage must also be allowed for planting any type of dogwood. Although the domestic pink dogwood may thrive in metropolitan areas, this tree does best when planted in the suburbs.
The history of the dogwood tree dates back to the early 1700s, when a tree enthusiast named Marc Catesby discovered the variety growing wild in the northern territories of the United States. After the discovery of this species, horticulturists soon began cultivation, and the popularity of the dogwood tree grew. The dogwood tree has the distinctive honor of being Virginia's state tree.
