About this tree
Cornus florida, whose native range stretches from Maine in the northeastern United States all the way south into Mexico, is a small deciduous tree or large shrub valued for its ornamental qualities. It typically grows 6–10 m high and features a layered branching structure. Its bark exfoliates with age, revealing a mottled patchwork of grey and tan. In late spring to early summer, the tree is covered in large, white bracts surrounding tiny, greenish-yellow flowers, creating a striking floral display next to the Eliguis smithy. Flowering Dogwood supports pollinators when in bloom and provides modest shelter for garden birds. By late summer, it produces decorative drupe fruits that have a tart flavour that is so sour as to be unpalatable. These are, however, a popular foodstuff for small mammals and birds in the Klostergut. The pointed, dark green leaves turn rich shades of red and purple in autumn.