FLOWERING DOGWOOD

The flowering dogwood, the state flower of Virginia, is probably the best known tree in the commonwealth. A small tree, fifteen to thirty-five feet high with a six to twelve inch diameter, it grows throughout the state. The dark gray bark is broken up into small blocks not unlike the hide of an alligator.

The true flowers of the dogwood are in small, dense clusters, greenish yellow in color and surrounded by large showy white petals edged in lavender or pink that make up a blossom two to four inches across. They were once used for decorative purposes; but since the cut blossoms seldom live over an hour, public education by garden clubs, conservationists, and the state have nearly eliminated their cutting.

The dogwood is a tree of all seasons. In spring it dons white raiment; summer brings it green finery; then autumn clothes the tree in scarlet and in winter time crimson red berries or fruit appear. The berries are eagerly sought by woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals, robins and squirrels.

The hard wood was once used for cotton mill machinery, handles and fence posts. Today it is a protected tree whose year-round beauty is enjoyed by many.

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