Spotlight on Native Trees: Dogwood and Redbud
Dear friend,
There’s a certain beauty in how spring creeps up on us here in the Blue Ridge. One day, the hillsides are still sporting their winter browns and grays, and then—almost overnight—you catch a glimpse of color peeking through the understory. Two of the early stars of this show are our beloved native trees, the dogwood and the redbud. Their blossoms often appear as if by magic, brightening roadsides and yards in a dance of pinks and whites. If you’re looking to celebrate spring in your own landscape, you can’t go wrong with these Appalachian gems.
Dogwood (Cornus florida)
1. A Brief History: The flowering dogwood is as iconic to the South as sweet tea and front porch rocking chairs. Native to the eastern United States, it’s been cherished for generations for its delicate beauty. In these parts, dogwoods typically bloom in April, but with our varied elevations, you might see blossoms as early as late March or as late as May.
2. Recognizing the Blooms: Contrary to popular belief, those four “petals” are actually bracts—modified leaves—that surround a cluster of tiny yellowish flowers in the center. The bracts can be white, pink, or even reddish, depending on the cultivar or natural variation. It’s that stark simplicity—a crisp white or soft pink against the still-bare branches—that takes my breath away each spring.
3. Growing Conditions: Dogwoods prefer partial shade to filtered sunlight, especially in hotter climates. They like rich, well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter, mimicking the forest floors where they naturally grow. While they can handle some morning sun, midday scorch can stress them, so pick a spot with dappled light if possible. And don’t let them dry out too much—regular watering is key, especially during their first few years.
4. Wildlife Benefits: The red berries that follow dogwood blooms in late summer are a favorite snack for birds. Cardinals, robins, and cedar waxwings all dine on them. Deer might nibble the foliage, too, so if you have a high deer population, consider some protection. But overall, planting a dogwood is a gift to local wildlife—pollinators enjoy the flowers, and many creatures appreciate the cover provided by its branching structure.
5. Landscape Use: Whether you plant a solitary dogwood as a focal point or group a few for a woodland effect, these trees bring a sense of grace to any yard. They’re also well-suited to mixed borders, pairing beautifully with azaleas and other acid-loving shrubs that share similar soil requirements. Just be mindful of spacing—dogwoods aren’t fans of crowded roots, so give them some elbow room.
Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
1. Vibrant Spring Display: The eastern redbud rivals the dogwood for the title of spring’s showstopper. Its pea-like blossoms appear in clusters along the bare branches (and sometimes even on the trunk!), ranging in color from light pink to deep magenta. They often coincide with the dogwood’s bloom, creating a gorgeous tapestry of pink and white along the woodland edges.
2. Adapting to Conditions: Redbuds can tolerate a bit more sun than dogwoods, but they still appreciate partial shade in the hottest parts of the day, especially if you live at lower elevations where summers get steamy. They’re fairly adaptable to different soil types, as long as it’s not waterlogged. Still, like most native trees, they thrive when given well-drained soil enriched with compost or leaf mold.
3. Wildlife and Ecological Role: Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators are drawn to redbud blossoms. Later in the season, the tree forms seed pods that look a bit like flattened pea pods. Birds will sometimes snack on these seeds, and the tree’s canopy offers nesting sites for small songbirds. Planting a redbud is a surefire way to invite a bit more wildlife activity into your yard.
4. Ornamental Value Beyond Spring: While the spring blooms steal the show, redbuds also have heart-shaped leaves that emerge a fresh, bright green before maturing to a deeper hue. In fall, the leaves can turn a warm yellow, prolonging the tree’s seasonal interest. Cultivars like ‘Forest Pansy’ offer purple-tinged leaves, adding extra flair.
5. Companions in the Garden: Imagine a redbud’s pink blossoms paired with the white of a dogwood, underplanted with early-spring bulbs like daffodils and crocuses. Throw in a few ferns or hostas if you have dappled light. It’s a woodland dream come to life, right in your backyard.
Tips for Planting and Care
Location, Location, Location: Both dogwood and redbud can handle partial shade to full sun (with caution for dogwoods), so pick a spot that suits their light preferences. Avoid areas prone to standing water.
Soil Prep: Loosen the soil in a wide circle, mixing in compost. These trees don’t love compacted soil. Plant them at the same depth they were in the nursery container—no deeper, or you risk root rot.
Watering Routine: Keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) the first year or two. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and regulate temperature. Just keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk.
Pruning: Light pruning to shape or remove dead branches is best done after flowering. Neither dogwood nor redbud typically needs aggressive pruning. Let their natural forms shine.
Pest Watch: Dogwoods can be susceptible to anthracnose, a fungal disease, especially in wet conditions. Choose disease-resistant varieties if you can. Redbuds are generally hardy but keep an eye out for any signs of borers or canker. Healthy, unstressed trees are your best defense.
Why Celebrate Our Natives?
Planting native trees like dogwood and redbud isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about forging a deeper connection to these mountains. These species evolved right alongside our local wildlife and climate cycles, meaning they’re well-suited to handle the unique challenges of our region (like late frosts or heavy spring rains). And from a gardener’s standpoint, they often require less fuss once established. You’re not fighting against nature, you’re partnering with it.
I recall one particularly warm spring day a few years back, driving down a winding country road near Asheville. The hillsides were awash in patches of pink and white, from scattered redbuds and dogwoods blooming in tandem. It felt like I was moving through a living painting. That’s the kind of beauty I want to recreate in my own backyard—a small reflection of the grandeur our mountains provide each spring.
If you’ve been pondering adding a new tree to your property, let me encourage you: choose a native. Not only will you witness that breathtaking burst of color each March or April, but you’ll also be giving local insects, birds, and other critters a valuable haven. And if you already have dogwoods or redbuds, take a moment to appreciate them—maybe snap a photo, sit beneath their branches, watch for bees visiting the blooms. It’s a simple pleasure that can ground you in the present moment.
So, as spring unfolds and you see those pops of pink and white dotting the hillsides, remember that you, too, can be part of this annual celebration. Plant a dogwood or redbud, nurture it through its first seasons, and in time, you’ll have a living testament to the wonders of the Blue Ridge. Each petal or bract is like a small flag waving in gratitude for the return of warmer days and the chance to grow anew.
Warm wishes for a blossoming spring,
Logan