Plant Description
The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is a deciduous tree native to New Jersey, celebrated for its breathtaking springtime display of white to pink blooms. Typically reaching 20 to 40 feet in height, this tree features a spreading crown with graceful, horizontal branches. Its green foliage turns a deep reddish-purple in the fall, and its bright red fruits provide a food source for birds, making it a favorite for both ornamental and ecological purposes (Jersey-Friendly Yards).
Beyond its beauty, the flowering dogwood holds historical and practical significance. In 1951, it was designated New Jersey’s memorial tree to honor members of the armed forces, promoting its planting in parks and commemorative spaces (Friends of Great Swamp). Native Americans used the aromatic bark and roots to treat malaria and extracted red dye from the roots, while the tree’s hard, shock-resistant wood was fashioned into weaving shuttles, spools, and mallet heads (Health Benefits Times).
