May 18 to 24 - Flowering Dogwood

Sometimes considered the most spectacular of native, flowering trees, the Flowering Dogwood, Cornus florida, is in full bloom at this time.  Growing to a height of 20-40 feet it shares a long lasting showy white bloom that brightens up the Arboretum.  The blooms are followed later in the fall season with scarlet-red foliage. This tree does best in moist soil, with some afternoon shade.  You often see it as the understory of larger evergreen trees to provide the shade it needs from the full sun.  There is a wonderful demonstration of this planting concept on Medford Campus Community Building Parking Lot.