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Characteristics
 Family-
Cornaceae--The Dogwood Family
- Origin
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Native NC
- Plant Description
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Deciduous small tree to 20-30 feet; leaves opposite, elliptical, without teeth on the margin; flowers in April after the leaves begin to unfold, surrounded by 4 white, showy bracts; fruits late summer to early fall, red, berry like drupes in clusters of 3-7.
- Ornamental Characteristics
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Beautiful small flowering tree, excellent red fall color, bright red showy fruits.
- Landscape Use
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Specimen flowering tree.
- Horticultural Cultivars
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Many cultivars available in the general nursery trade, but for coastal landscapes there is a need for local ecotypes and selection of superior cultivars. Flowering dogwood flourishes on Bald Head Island; this would be a good place to search for superior coastal cultivars.
- Availability/Propagation
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Widely available in nurseries, inquire about the source of seed (ecotype) of trees. Cultivars propagated by cuttings, but unnamed trees are seed grown.
- Culture
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Plant in partial shade to full sun if adequate moisture is provided; grows best in well drained soils high in organic matter.
- Coastal Ecology
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Flowering dogwood is found in many habitats in the maritime forest, from the evergreen oak and pine forests to the deciduous forests. Not salt tolerant, dogwood is an indicator species of locations protected from salt spray.
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