Benthamidia florida (formerly Cornus florida)
Growing Information
• Plant Type: Tree
• Sunlight: Sun to part shade
• Soils: Grows best in rich/acidic/well drained soil. Also does fine in average or clay soils.
• Bloom Time: White flowers in May
• Size: 15-20 feet in height, 5-8 feet spread
This smaller tree has a short trunk and a spreading crown of nearly horizontal branches. It blooms with beautiful 4-petaled flowers in May and is a popular addition to many gardens. It displays red to purple fall foliage and develops berries in October that are edible to wildlife. Indigenous Americans used the aromatic bark and roots as a remedy for malaria, and red dye could also be extracted from the roots.
Garden Companions
Wild Geranium (Geranium maculatum), Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia), Blue Wood Aster (Symphyotrichum cordifolium)
Nature Benefits
• Seeds and berries provide food for birds.
• Supports over 100 species of butterflies and moths throughout their life cycle.
• Sprouts and seeds support a variety of mammals.
• Provides shelter and habitat for many wildlife species.
Natural Habitat
Occurs in forests, forest edges, and woodlands.