How to identify Wilson's dogwood (Cornus wilsoniana)
Wilson's dogwood stands out with its captivating, ghost-white bark on the mature trunks, offering a striking visual contrast in any landscape. The leaves exhibit a papery texture, with a distinctive grayish-green upper side and fine white hairs on the underside. Springtime ushers in the delicate beauty of small white flower clusters, which give way to purplish-black berries in the fall. These berries are not only an aesthetic feature but also serve as an important food source for local wildlife. The overall structure of wilson's dogwood can be either that of a robust shrub or a small tree, providing versatility in garden design and habitat structure.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Ghost-white mature trunk bark distinguishes wilson's dogwood from other plants, creating a striking visual contrast.
Leaves bear distinctive grayish-green upper side and dense white hairs underneath, aiding identification.
Small white flowers in clusters, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) wide, contribute to wilson's dogwood's ornamental appeal.
Papery fruit, less than 0.25 inches (6.35 mm) in diameter, contain ribbed stones with seeds.
Stems transition from grayish-green and hairy to brown and smooth, aiding in identification.
The leaves of wilson's dogwood are papery, simple, and opposite, with an elliptical to ovate shape. Each leaf measures between 2.25 to 4.5 inches (5.7 to 11.4 cm) in length and 0.75 to 2.25 inches (1.9 to 5.7 cm) in width. The upper surface is grayish-green, while the lower surface is densely covered with white hairs, giving a distinctive texture. This combination of features, along with their size and hairiness, make the leaves easily identifiable.
The small white flowers of wilson's dogwood emerge on the terminal branches in May. Arranged in clusters or cymes, the blooms measure 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) in diameter. Each cluster consists of numerous tiny flowers that collectively create a conspicuous display. The petals are delicate and finely arranged, contributing to the ornamental appeal of the plant. Although the flowers lack a noticeable scent, their striking white color and distinctive arrangement make them a key feature for identification.
The stem of wilson's dogwood comprises young branches which are grayish-green, angled, and covered with grayish hairs, while older branches turn brown and smooth, featuring narrow lenticels. This contrast in texture and color aids in identifying distinct growth stages, with young stems appearing hairy and older stems becoming smoother. Stems typically exhibit a thickness ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 inches (0.5 to 1 cm). These distinctive characteristics result in stems that are easily identifiable even to novice plant enthusiasts.
The fruit of wilson's dogwood is a small, purplish-black drupe with a diameter of less than 0.25 inches (6.35 mm). Hidden within its fleshy exterior, each drupe cradles a diminutive, ribbed stone which harbors the seed. These fruits are typically found adorning the plant from September to October, adding to its ornamental appeal during the autumn months. Their richly colored surface bears a subtle sheen, providing a visual cue for ripeness and a potential attractant for foraging wildlife.
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Scientific Classification of Wilson's dogwood
