The Dogwood tree, belonging to the genus Cornus, is a widely recognized ornamental plant known for its dramatic seasonal displays. Its appearance changes dramatically throughout the year, shifting in response to seasonal cues. This transformation makes the Dogwood a dynamic presence in the landscape, providing a continuous sequence of vibrant hues from spring through winter.
The Signature Colors of Spring (Bracts)
The most noticeable color display occurs in spring, often mistaken for large flowers. These showy structures are actually modified leaves called bracts, which surround the much smaller, inconspicuous true flowers clustered at the center. This botanical arrangement maximizes visibility for pollinators, providing the tree’s signature aesthetic.
The classic flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida, is famous for its brilliant white bracts, which can span four to six inches across. These white bracts are often tinged with green near the tips, offering a clean, luminous display against the emerging spring foliage. The intensity of the white can vary slightly based on the specific tree’s genetics and the amount of sunlight received.
Beyond white, Dogwoods offer a spectrum of pink and red hues, particularly through cultivar selection. Varieties like ‘Rubra’ exhibit deep rose-pink bracts, while others may lean toward a softer, blush pink. These colors are produced by anthocyanin pigments, which are expressed at varying concentrations depending on the cultivar.
Plant breeders have selected Dogwoods for color intensity and shade consistency. This means gardeners can choose trees with pure, saturated colors, ranging from creamy white to nearly crimson red. The duration of the spring color display is also an important factor, extending the visual appeal for several weeks.
Foliage Color: Summer Green to Autumn Red
During summer, the Dogwood tree primarily presents a dense canopy of deep green foliage. The leaves are generally ovate with distinct veins. This rich green color is due to the high concentration of chlorophyll, the pigment necessary for photosynthesis.
The shift from summer to autumn triggers a chemical change within the leaves. As temperatures cool and daylight hours shorten, the tree stops producing chlorophyll, and the existing green pigment begins to break down. This process clears the way for other pigments that were present all along but masked by the dominant green.
The newly revealed colors transform the Dogwood into one of the most vibrant trees of the fall landscape. The color spectrum often begins with shades of scarlet and progresses into deep crimson. These intense reds are primarily the result of increased anthocyanin production in the autumn.
Depending on the specific species and environmental conditions, some Dogwoods can also display rich purple or deep burgundy tones. Trees planted in full sun and well-drained, slightly acidic soil tend to exhibit the most brilliant and saturated autumn colors. The consistency of these fall colors provides a final burst of visual interest before the leaves drop.
Winter Interest: Bark and Berries
Once the leaves have fallen, the tree’s fruit becomes a noticeable color source, providing contrast against the gray winter sky. The fruit, or drupes, of the common flowering Dogwood (C. florida) are typically bright, glossy red. These clusters of small berries often persist on the branches into early winter, attracting birds.
Not all Dogwood species produce red fruit; some varieties bear drupes that are pink or even porcelain white. The color and size of the fruit depend on the specific Cornus species, contributing to the overall winter palette.
The bark provides a subtle, yet distinct, winter color display. The mature bark of many Dogwood species is characteristically gray-brown and blocky. However, some cultivated varieties are grown for their unique stem colors. The Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea) is a prime example, known for its young stems that turn a vibrant red or sometimes yellow in the winter. This intense stem color provides a welcome splash of bright color against the snow.