Hug This Tree: Red Flowering Dogwood
January 3, 2008 by Jennifer
Most of the time, at least in the U.S. you should plant trees in the spring or early fall. Many young trees have far too fragile of root systems to plant them in the winter. Some you shouldn’t even plant in the fall because they won’t establish by winter. Some trees however, are hardy enough to plant anytime, like the Red Flowering Dogwood. The Red Dogwood is not quite so winter hardy as it’s white flowered peer but still manages.
I love this tree because it offers color all year; not simply in the spring and summer. Plus, since it only grows to around 25 feet you can plant it, even in small spaces or right by your home.
Color in the fall…
You know you want these flowers.
For the kiddos today I found this great leaf chart from the School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Extension in Alabama. The chart illustrates most of the genera of trees found in the U.S., or the 55 most common leaves you’ll run into. This would make a great chart for nature walks — of course better once leaves are all back on the trees.
Here’s what the chart looks like.
To see the entire chart and all 55 leaves visit the School of Forestry & Wildlife Sciences Extension. There’s lots more to see about trees and nature at this site as well.
I just had a red maple delivered and I can’t wait to plant it! Actually, it is two, somehow the packer placed two rootstocks in the bag and one will go on each side of my yard.
That’s gorgeous! I’ve only seen the white variety here in Virginia, I’ll definitely be on the lookout when we plant in the spring.
Stacey
I have two of these in my front yard. They are absolutely stunning in the spring and the birds love them. Years ago, our city offered them to anyone who wanted them. The only stipulation was that they had to be planted in the parking area at the front of your house. This was not the first time it was offered and you can now see the results of years of commitment by driving down various streets. Beautiful! ~Karen
Ok girls. Is it AW day here or what. Weird. But it’s always nice to see everyone
I was thinking the same thing!
We need to get out more.
I think it’s me. These people follow me wherever I go…and they’re so fast they sometimes arrive before me. Ha!
The dogwood is one of my favorite trees. Beautiful pictures!
Ha ha, yes, getting out more would likely be a good thing.
Here’s some more info on your favorite Red
Flowering Dogwood Tree:
* When your red flowering dogwood reaches a height of 20-25 ft. you know it’s mature.
* It’s very friendly to growing zones 5-9.
* The birds like the red berries. Mexicans are also known to like them (they use them in their teas!).
Some nurseries (like ours) have red flowering dogwoods that can be planted at anytime in the year – provided
you water them well. Buy one, Plant one or Hug one today!