The dogwood tree, with its distinctive four-petaled blossoms that herald the arrival of spring, is a cherished sight in many landscapes. These trees, belonging to the genus Cornus, are celebrated for their ornamental beauty and are even state symbols in some regions. Many people admire the dogwood, yet often wonder about the origins of its unusual name, prompting exploration into its historical and linguistic roots.
The Etymological Roots of Dogwood
The most widely accepted explanation for the name “dogwood” traces back to the properties of its wood and its historical uses. In the mid-1500s, the tree was known in Europe by names like “dagwood” or “dog-tree,” terms that evolved over time. The word “dag” or “dog” in this context referred to pointed tools or skewers. The wood of the dogwood tree is notably hard and dense, making it suitable for crafting such implements.
Historically, its tight-grained wood was used for daggers, arrows, skewers, fine weaving shuttles, and golf club heads. The botanical name for dogwood, Cornus, also alludes to this characteristic, as it originates from the Latin word “cornu,” meaning “horn,” referencing the wood’s durability.
The transition from “dog-tree” (appearing by 1548) to “dogwood” (by 1614) reflects linguistic evolution. While the exact phonetic shift from “dagwood” to “dogwood” remains somewhat uncertain, the name is widely believed to link to the wood’s utility in creating “dags” or “dogs.”
Other Explanations and Folklore
Beyond its etymological roots, other theories and folkloric associations have contributed to discussions about the dogwood’s name. One alternative theory suggests the name derived from using dogwood bark to treat mange in dogs. People boiled the bark to wash affected dogs, though medicinal benefits were minimal. This practice might have led to a misconception that the name implied canine effectiveness.
Another less common idea posits that the name could have emerged from the sound of dogwood branches knocking together in the wind, resembling the barking of a dog. Additionally, the prefix “dog-” in English vernacular names sometimes denoted lesser quality, as seen in “dogberry” for its fruit or “dog violet.”
An older English name for the dogwood was “whipple-tree,” which referred to its use as an element in horse-drawn carts for linking harnesses. The widespread Christian legend, which claims the cross was made of dogwood and that Jesus then cursed the tree to remain small and blessed its flowers to resemble the cross, is a popular piece of folklore often associated with the tree. This legend, however, is considered to have originated in the early 20th century, and dogwoods are not native to Palestine.