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Since many dog tree types have unique appearances and characteristics, you may want to know, “What Does A Dogwood Tree Look Like.” Here in this article, we will take a quick Overall appearance of dogwood tree leaves, Fruit, flowers, and seeds.
What Does A Dogwood Tree Look Like
In general, dogwood trees are small to medium-sized deciduous trees that come with showy flowers & colorful leaves. They feature either rounded or vase-shaped canopies. Also, dogwood’s branches & twigs often have a distinctive reddish or purplish hue, making them distinctive from other specimens.
Height and Width of the Tree
Like any other trees, dogwood trees also have different sizes that vary depending on the species and cultivar. For example, if you have flowering dogwood trees, they are likely to grow between 20-30 feet tall with a spread of 25 to 30 feet.
On the other hand, some species, like white Kousa dogwoods, tend to be slightly smaller, reaching around 15-20 feet. You should also know that some bigger species, like Pacific dogwood trees, can grow up to 50 feet tall in their Natural habitat & appropriate environment.
Bark Appearance
When it comes to knowing about the bark of a dogwood tree, it is also an important identifying feature that you should know about. When dogwood trees are young, their bark tends to be very smooth & greyish-brown in color.
Older trees will have more textured and scaly bark. You should also know that few species, like Pacific dogwood trees, tend to have distinctive mottled or patterned bark, which can be quite striking.
Branches and Twigs
You might be familiar with dogwood tree branches and twigs that are often thin & somewhat brittle. Also, dogwood trees have a tendency to droop or bend.
As I told you earlier, some varieties of dogwood trees may have a reddish or purplish hue. You will likely notice this reddish and purplish hue, particularly in younger trees. In addition, a few species, like Cornelian cherry dogwood, come with thorny twigs.
What Do Dogwood Leaves Look Like?
After knowing what dogwood trees look like, you should know about their leaf appearance. Talking about the leaves of a dogwood tree it is one of its most distinguishing features.
Since a dogwood tree leaves color changes according to the season, You’re likely to notice different kinds of color and texture depending upon the species and the time of year. In general, the leaves of a dogwood tree tend to be opposite, meaning they are typically arranged in pairs on the branches.
Those leaves can be oval or elliptical with a pointed tip. The ages of dogwood tree leaves will be smooth but with prominent veins running down the middle.
The leaves will likely be vibrant green with smooth, shiny textures in the spring and summer seasons. In the fall, you will notice its leaves turning into various shades of color, including red, orange, or purple, before falling off the tree.
What Do Dogwood Flowers Look Like?
Another defining feature of a dogwood tree is its flower. Its flowers are typically white or pink with four petals arranged in a cross shape. The center of the flower is likely to be yellow or green while being 2 inches in diameter.
In April or May, you will likely see dogwood flowers blooming in the spring, which will also last for several weeks. As per the University of Tennessee, you should know that these dogwood tree flowers are also an important source of nectars for bees and other pollinators.
You will find many variations of dogwood flowers, including white, red, and pink, but all will be softer with a more delicate hue than traditional white flowers.
If you have a red dogwood tree, it will have a deeper shade of pink or red, whereas the white one tends to be In pure bright white color. In the market, you will also find several variations of hybrid dogwood tree flowers.
Those combine the features of different dogwood species to create new specimens with unique flowers. For example, you will find Stellar Pink dogwood varieties that Bloom light pink flowers with star-shaped patterns, whereas Brave® dogwood trees have dark red flowers with a white center. To give you a better understanding, below is a quick table for you.
| Color | Shape | Timeframe for Blooming |
| White or pink | Cross-shaped, four petals | April or May |
| Pink | Softer, more delicate hue | April or May |
| Red | Deeper shade of pink or red | April or May |
| Hybrid | Combination of features from different species | Varies depending on the hybrid |
What Do Dogwood Fruits Look Like?
After the flower Falls off the tree, the dogwood tree will also start to produce edible and attractive fruits for wildlife. The fruits of a dogwood tree are typically round, berry-like drupes the size of a cherry.
At the start, the Fruit will turn out green and then turn Yellow or red as it ripens. In the fall, dogwood fruit typically appears from September to October. According to many studies and research, dogwood fruits are also an important food source for many species of birds, like cedar waxwings, robins, and bluejays.
Like the flowers, there are different variations of dogwood fruits, including red, pink, white, and variegated. If you have red dogwood, it will have bright red-colored fruits. Variegated dogwood fruits typically have a mix of colors and patterns. Below is a proper table on it to give you a better understanding.
| Color | Appearance | Timeframe for Fruit Production |
| Red | Round, berry-like drupe | September to October |
| Pink | Soft pink hue | September to October |
| White | Creamy white color | September to October |
What Do Dogwood Seeds Look Like?
Lastly, you will also want to know about the dog tree seeds’ appearance, which is typically small and hard with an enclosed tough outer coating. The seeds of a dogwood tree are likely to be oblong or elliptically shaped but will vary in size depending on the species you get or have.
In most cases, their seeds can be up to half an inch in length with dark brown or black color. Just like any other seeds, dogwood seeds also have a rough texture. Indeed, dogwood seeds are also an important food source for many species of birds & wildlife, like finches, nuthatches, and rodents.
What Affects Dogwood Tree Appearance?
Even though dogwood trees are known for their beautiful showy flowers and striking appearance, there are a few other things about their appearance you should know as well. A couple of factors directly impact the appearance of your tree, ranging from environmental conditions to diseases & pests.
Environmental Factors
One of the most important factors that can directly impact the appearance and health of your dogwood tree is the environmental condition. You must provide your tree with well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
You should know That dogwood trees thrive in areas with full or partial sunlight. They are also very sensitive to temperature. Therefore, you should protect them from extreme heat or cold that may cause leaf scorch or other damage.
In addition to this, your dogwood tree may also be susceptible to drought stress which can cause wilting, leaf drop, and other symptoms. If this is the case, I’ll provide proper watering to it. During dry spells, you must water your dogwood tree deeply and regularly,y.
Disease and Pests
Another potential factor that can directly impact the dogwood tree’s appearance is disease or pest. You must follow proper disease and pest management. Dogwood anthracnose is a type of fungal disease that is very common and often cause leaf blight, stem cankers, and other symptoms.
This disease becomes more prevalent with trees in areas with high humidity. However, you can easily Manage this fungal disease with proper pruning and fungicide treatment.
Another thing that you need to take into account is pest management. Dogwood borers are one of the most common tests to damage your tree. These insects usually bore into the dogwood trunk and branches, causing dieback and wilting. In severe cases, these pests can even kill your tree.
It is important that you provide proper insecticide and fungicide treatment While following the proper pruning schedules, which is very helpful in controlling pests & diseases while preventing further damage.
Maintenance and Care
Lastly, it would help if you never neglected the importance of proper care and maintenance, which helps maintain your tree’s appearance. To provide tem better opportunities to thrive, read How To Take Care Of A Dogwood Tree.
You must regularly prune your tree to maintain its shape or size and remove any dead or diseased branches. Fertilizing your tree is also a great way to promote healthy growth and a vibrant Bloom.
Also, I’ve written a proper guide on “How To Keep A Dogwood Tree Healthy“, also consider it as well. Note that improper fertilization will directly harm your tree and lead to further issues.
If you have yet to gain experience in this, I recommend you consult a professional or Horticulture To ensure proper techniques are being used.
Related: How To Prune Red Twig Dogwood Bushes
Conclusion
Usually, dogwood trees are small to medium deciduous trees with rounded or vase-shaped canopies. Its branches and twigs will have a reddish or purplish hue.
The color can depend upon the variety of dogwood trees you have. After reading this article, I hope you get to know all the information you need on the question. If you find this article helpful, then consider sharing it.
Check our other helpful guide on dogwood tree care & management shared on this website. See you in the next post, till then, takes care and goodbye.