Description

The mountain dogwood is quite a sight when blooming in the understory of large trees. The white flowers float brightly in the spackled sunlight. Calaveras Big Trees State Park is one place to enjoy this show. This might be considered a typical growing site for this little tree: high seasonal moisture, partial shade and cool temperatures. In such settings mountain dogwood grows throughout California. It naturally grows as a small multi-trunk tree. After winter dormancy, the bright green, pointed-oval leaves appear, followed in a few months by first the flower show then red fruit. Perhaps the only drawback is that mountain dogwood is rather difficult to establish. Reports claim that it prefers deep, fertile soil and monthly water. It is also said to respond poorly to pruning. Others claim that it appreciates humidity, so a nearby water feature may be helpful. If you are fortunate to have an appropriate growing site, your investment in this iconic tree is certainly warranted.