When considering whether dogwood trees are evergreen or deciduous, the answer is nuanced, depending entirely on the specific species and the climate where it is growing. The vast majority of dogwoods commonly cultivated and native to North America are deciduous, shedding their leaves annually. However, the diverse genus Cornus does include a few varieties that maintain their foliage year-round, primarily in warmer, milder regions.
The Deciduous Majority of Dogwood Species
Most people are familiar with the dogwoods native to temperate climates, which are defined by their deciduous nature, meaning they seasonally drop their leaves. This process is triggered by cooling temperatures and decreasing daylight hours in autumn. The tree forms an abscission layer at the base of the leaf stem, which blocks nutrient and water transport, causing the leaf to detach.
The two most widely planted ornamental dogwood trees, the Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) and the Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), both follow this pattern. Before their leaves drop, they offer a spectacular display of fall color. The foliage of Cornus florida typically transitions to rich shades of red-brown before the winter dormancy period begins.
The Kousa Dogwood, a species native to Asia, is similarly deciduous, though its fall coloration tends toward purplish-red or scarlet hues. This species often retains its vibrant autumn colors for several weeks. The annual leaf drop in these common species is a necessary adaptation that allows them to conserve energy and survive the colder winter months.
Identifying the True Evergreen Dogwood Varieties
While the deciduous species dominate temperate zones, the Cornus genus contains exceptions that are genuinely evergreen. The most prominent example is the Himalayan Dogwood (Cornus capitata). This species retains its leathery, dark green foliage throughout the year, a characteristic that makes it a popular choice in milder climates.
These evergreen dogwoods are typically hardy only in warmer regions, such as USDA Zones 8 through 10, where hard frosts are rare. The lack of prolonged freezing temperatures allows the tree to maintain its functional leaves without the need for a protective dormancy. Cornus capitata is often cultivated in mild coastal areas because it cannot tolerate the extreme heat and humidity found in some southern inland regions.
While Cornus capitata is evergreen, its leaves may sometimes take on purplish or reddish shades in the autumn. In the cooler limits of its growing range, the tree might partially drop some of its older foliage during winter. However, the tree never becomes completely bare like its deciduous relatives, maintaining a substantial canopy year-round.
Dogwood Appearance During Winter Dormancy
Since the majority of dogwoods are deciduous, they rely on unique structural characteristics for identification and visual interest during their winter dormancy. The bark of the mature Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is highly distinctive, developing a blocky, scaly texture. This dark, patterned bark is easily recognizable against a snowy or bare landscape.
Another reliable winter feature is the shape of the flower buds, which are set during the preceding fall. The terminal flower buds of Cornus florida are unique, appearing as flattened, rounded, or biscuit-shaped structures at the tips of the twigs. In contrast, the buds of the Kousa Dogwood are typically smaller and more pointed, providing a way to differentiate the two species in the winter.
The overall form and branching structure also provide clues to the tree’s identity when leaves are absent. Cornus florida often exhibits an upward-sweeping appearance at the tips of its branches, creating a graceful, yet somewhat upright, winter silhouette. The mature Kousa Dogwood frequently develops a crown with notable horizontal layers of branching, giving the tree a distinct tiered profile.
Even without leaves, many dogwoods offer visual appeal through persistent elements. Small clusters of red, berry-like fruit, known as drupes, often remain on the branches into early winter. The mottled, exfoliating bark of the Kousa Dogwood, which peels in patches of tan and gray, provides textural interest throughout the dormant season.