Flowering Dogwood
'Leaf emergence'Cornus florida
Cornaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · native
Last updated
You recognize Flowering Dogwood by its showy white (or pink) bracts appearing in spring before the leaves, creating the impression of delicate blossoms. This native understory tree reaches 15-25 feet with a graceful spreading form. The small red berries ripen in fall, and the leaves turn red-purple before dropping.
Flowering Dogwood performs best in partial shade with moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. Protect from hot afternoon sun and harsh winds. This tree requires consistent moisture during establishment. Prune minimally to develop natural form. Monitor for anthracnose and powdery mildew in humid conditions; improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering. This native provides multi-season interest.
Quick Facts
Primary Spore Release
Crawler Emergence
Active Below-ground Growth
Spring Emergence / Primary Infection
+ 2 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Field Observations
Phenological Calendar
As of May 13, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 1906.2 to 2098.2 GDD₃₂. Flowering Dogwood has passed 'leaf emergence' (1128 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of May 13, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,098 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,089 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,063 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,025 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 1,993 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 1,972 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 1,906 | 'Leaf emergence' | — | — |
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| 'Bud swell' BBCH '03' | — | '' |
| 'Bud break' BBCH '07' | 1010 | '' |
| 'Flower buds visible' BBCH '51' | 1061 | '' |
| 'First bloom' BBCH '61' | 1128 | '' |
| 'Full bloom' BBCH '65' | — | '' |
| ● 'Leaf emergence' BBCH '11' NOW | 1128 | '' |
Sources: 'NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=10, median. services.usanpn.org' ; 'Field observation (Chris Welch)' About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of May 13, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through May 29, 2026, then climate normals.