Flowering Dogwood
‘Full bloom’Cornus florida
Cornaceae · broadleaf deciduous tree · introduced
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.
Flowering dogwood is an eastern North American species planted as an ornamental in Puget Sound lowlands. Dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) is documented in the region, favored by cool wet springs. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe pulchra) first reported in Washington in 1999. The hybrid Cornus x rutgersensis ('Stellar' series) and native Cornus nuttallii are also present in the regional nursery trade.
— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist
Plant Profile
Size & Form
Site Requirements
Ornamental Interest
Field Observations
Active Conidial Spread
Crawler Emergence
Active Infection & Secondary Spread
Active Below-ground Growth
+ 2 more — see full disease and pest lists below
Diseases: Regionally Documented (7)
Pests: Regionally Documented (6)
Pests: Other Associations (1)
Phenological Calendar
As of June 3, 2026, Puget Sound stations range from 2435.5 to 2672.8 GDD₃₂. Flowering Dogwood has passed ‘full bloom’ (1404 GDD₃₂).
Regional Season Tracker
GDD₃₂ accumulation across 7 Puget Sound stations · as of Jun 3, 2026| Station | GDD₃₂ | Current Stage | Next | To Go |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Issaquah / East King | 2,673 | ‘Full bloom’ | — | — |
| Kent / Auburn | 2,665 | ‘Full bloom’ | — | — |
| Seattle / UW | 2,610 | ‘Full bloom’ | — | — |
| Olympia / Tumwater | 2,570 | ‘Full bloom’ | — | — |
| Tacoma / Puyallup | 2,535 | ‘Full bloom’ | — | — |
| Bellingham / Whatcom | 2,533 | ‘Full bloom’ | — | — |
| Sequim / Rain Shadow | 2,436 | ‘Full bloom’ | — | — |
View full calendar (10 stages)
| Stage | GDD32 | Typical Window |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Bud swell’ BBCH ‘03’ | — Observed | ‘Mar 10-Mar 30’ |
| ‘Bud break’ BBCH ‘07’ | 1010 Observed | ‘Mar 20-Apr 10’ |
| ‘Flower buds visible’ BBCH ‘51’ | 1061 Observed | ‘Apr 1-Apr 15’ |
| ‘First bloom’ BBCH ‘61’ | 1128 Observed | ‘Apr 10-Apr 25’ |
| ● ‘Full bloom’ BBCH ‘65’ NOW | 1404 Observed | ‘Apr 15-May 5’ |
| ‘Leaf emergence’ BBCH ‘11’ | 1128 Observed | ‘Apr 10-Apr 25’ |
| ‘Fruit set’ BBCH ‘71’ | — Observed | ‘May 15-Jun 15’ |
| ‘Fruit maturity’ BBCH ‘85’ | — Observed | ‘Aug 15-Oct 15’ |
| ‘Leaf senescence’ BBCH ‘93’ | — Observed | ‘Oct 1-Nov 15’ |
| ‘Dormancy’ BBCH ‘97’ | — Observed | ‘Nov 15-Mar 10’ |
Sources: ‘NPN citizen science observations (WA+OR), n=10, median. services.usanpn.org’ ; Field observation (Chris Welch). Cross-ref OSU GDD50=263 (≈GDD32 1229), UMD GDD50=281 (≈GDD32 1229) About GDD₃₂ →
Season tracker for Kent / Auburn as of Jun 3, 2026. Predicted dates use 16-day weather forecast through Jun 19, 2026, then climate normals.