White Flowering Dogwood
For sale in Lawrenceville, GA
- Slow to Moderate (1 ft/year)
- Part Shade (understory tree, morning sun ideal)
- Cold hardy to USDA Zone 8a
- Native to Georgia
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About White Flowering Dogwood
White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is Georgia's state tree and one of the most beloved native flowering trees in the Southeast, producing a stunning display of large white bracts in early spring before the leaves fully emerge, followed by red berries in fall that are an important food source for birds. As a natural understory tree found throughout Georgia's Piedmont forests, it performs best in the dappled morning sun and afternoon shade found at a woodland edge rather than full, exposed sun, which stresses it and increases susceptibility to powdery mildew and dogwood borer. It grows slowly to moderately, reaching 20-30 feet tall and 20-25 feet wide with a graceful, horizontally-tiered branching habit. Georgia's dogwoods have faced pressure in recent decades from dogwood anthracnose, a fungal disease more prevalent at higher elevations and in wetter, shadier sites; Piedmont plantings with good air circulation and morning sun generally see fewer problems. Fall color adds burgundy-red foliage to its seasonal interest beyond the iconic spring bloom.
🚚 Delivery available to Lawrenceville and all of Gwinnett County — see our service area for exact timing.
Plant Specifications
| Mature Height | 20-30 ft |
|---|---|
| Mature Width | 20-25 ft |
| Sun Requirements | Part Shade (understory tree, morning sun ideal) |
| Water Needs | Moderate — consistent moisture, avoid drought stress |
| Bloom Season | Early Spring |
| Growth Rate | Slow to Moderate (1 ft/year) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 8a |
| Deer Resistant | No |
| Pet Safe | Yes |
| Native to Georgia | Yes |
Planting Instructions & Regional Tips
Plant White Flowering Dogwood where it gets morning sun and afternoon shade, mimicking its natural woodland-edge habitat; avoid full, exposed all-day sun, which increases stress and disease susceptibility. Amend Georgia clay with compost for better drainage, and mulch widely to protect its shallow root system without piling mulch against the trunk. Water consistently, especially during dry spells, since drought stress is the leading cause of borer and disease problems.
Great For
Fast Facts
- Georgia's state tree, native understory species
- Mature size: 20-30 ft tall, 20-25 ft wide
- Large white spring bracts before leaves emerge
- Red fall berries are an important bird food source
- Prefers morning sun, afternoon shade (woodland-edge conditions)
- Not deer resistant; susceptible to stress-related borers and disease
Pairs Well With
White Flowering Dogwood FAQs
Why is my dogwood tree struggling in full sun?
Flowering Dogwood is naturally an understory tree adapted to dappled woodland light, and full, exposed sun combined with drought stress makes it significantly more vulnerable to powdery mildew and dogwood borer. Morning sun with afternoon shade, consistent moisture, and good mulching closely mimic its natural growing conditions and reduce these problems.
Is White Flowering Dogwood native to Georgia?
Yes, White Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) is native throughout Georgia and is officially the state tree, commonly found as an understory tree in Piedmont forests. Its native status makes it well suited to Georgia's clay soils when planted in appropriate dappled shade conditions.