Fall Color from the Dogwoods

Fall Color from the Dogwoods
Most dogwoods are also known for their colorful fall foliage. The ripe berries
can also add additional autumn color.

Alternate Leaved Dogwood

Native to the East, alternate leaved dogwood brings red fall color. This shrub or small tree, 9 to 15 feet tall, bears small white blossoms in May and June. These form clusters, 2 ½ inches wide.

The blackish-blue berries are borne on red twigs. These are covered with a bloom. The leaves really are alternate, which is unusual for a dogwood.


Bloodtwig Dogwood

Bloodtwig dogwood is an European species. It is best known for the vivid red twigs in the winter. Hardy to zone 4, this dense shrub grows 5 to 15 feet in height with a matching width.

The leaves become a lovely red in the fall. The small white blossoms, which have a foul odor, form flat hairy clusters in May and June.

The blackish-purple fruits ripen in the fall. Often, the twigs located in the sun are red, although the others can still be green.


Cornelian Cherry

Cornelian cherry is never a disappointment. It offers something of interest in every season. In very early spring, usually in March and April, the tiny showy yellow blooms cover the plant.

These open in small crowded clusters. The tree is 24 feet in height and is hardy to zone 4. The dense small tree or shrub provides red fall foliage.

During the late summer, the berries ripen to red. Don’t let these go to waste for they are edible and make an absolutely delicious jam. There is a yellow fruited variety.

This plant is ideal for screens and windbreaks as well as a specimen plant. It is tolerant of smoke.


Giant Dogwood

This tree reaches 60 feet in height in the wild, but is much smaller when cultivated. It is hardy to zone 5. The plant is particularly lovely due to the horizontal branching that creates a layered effect. This introduced species isn’t prone to the blight that can affect alternate leaved dogwood.


Like the alternate leaved dogwood, this is alternate leaved as well. The foliage is a lovely red in the fall. The white blossoms open in May and form flat clusters. The berries ripen to blackish-blue in the autumn.

Gray Dogwood

Gray dogwood is a shrubby native that reaches 5 to 15 feet in height. Hardy to zone 4, it makes a very good screen. It is native to the East.

The plant has gray twigs. Flowering occurs in June and July. The white flowers form branched clusters.

The white berries are typically eaten by bird. The fruit stalks are vivid red, and add color to the plant. In the fall, the leaves become a beautiful purple.





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This content was written by Connie Krochmal. If you wish to use this content in any manner, you need written permission. Contact Connie Krochmal for details.