When does Flowering Dogwood bloom?

Flowering Dogwood blooms in April and May, producing distinctive white bracts that surround small clusters of tiny flowers.

What pollinators visit Flowering Dogwood?

Flowering Dogwood attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles that visit the small flowers for nectar and pollen.

Where is Flowering Dogwood native?

Flowering Dogwood is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas.

What growing conditions does Flowering Dogwood prefer?

Flowering Dogwood grows best in partial shade with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate full sun to part shade conditions.

Is Flowering Dogwood HOA-friendly?

Flowering Dogwood takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Flowering Dogwood

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cornus florida

Last reviewed: June 2026

Flowering Dogwood is a native deciduous tree found throughout eastern and central United States. It produces showy white bracts in April and May, attracting bees, butterflies, and beetles.

Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) — Photo: M.S. del., J.N.Fitch lith. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

240"–480" H × 240"–480" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 more states

Pollinators

bees, butterflies, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Flowering dogwood is a beloved native tree known for its showy white or pink bracts in spring and brilliant red fall foliage. This medium-sized tree develops an attractive horizontal branching pattern and provides year-round interest with its distinctive bark and berries.

Growing Flowering Dogwood

Grow Flowering Dogwood in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 480 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Flowering Dogwood takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Poor cold hardiness for zone 3-4 winters
Likely to suffer winter damage or die

Wildlife value

Host plant for Spring Azure, Cecropia Moth, Dogwood Thyatirin Moth.

The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beetles in spring, while the bright red berries feed over 35 bird species. The tree also hosts several butterfly caterpillars and provides nesting sites for birds.

Common questions

When does Flowering Dogwood bloom?: Flowering Dogwood blooms in April and May, producing distinctive white bracts that surround small clusters of tiny flowers.
What pollinators visit Flowering Dogwood?: Flowering Dogwood attracts various pollinators including bees, butterflies, and beetles that visit the small flowers for nectar and pollen.
Where is Flowering Dogwood native?: Flowering Dogwood is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Kansas and Texas.
What growing conditions does Flowering Dogwood prefer?: Flowering Dogwood grows best in partial shade with medium moisture levels, though it can tolerate full sun to part shade conditions.
Is Flowering Dogwood HOA-friendly?: Flowering Dogwood takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Flowering Dogwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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