Flowering Dogwood Tree problem - Ask Extension
Our flowering dogwood has been producing tiny flowers making the tree unrecognizable as a dogwood. It has developed these cherry looking buds in the f...
Knowledgebase
Flowering Dogwood Tree problem #787638
Asked April 22, 2022, 1:11 PM EDT
Our flowering dogwood has been producing tiny flowers making the tree unrecognizable as a dogwood. It has developed these cherry looking buds in the fall. It has not produced the big flowers as in the past.
Hood River County Oregon
Expert Response
Dear Evelyn,
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about your dogwood. The most common yellow-flowering dogwood is what we call a Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas). This species typically has clusters of small flowers rather than fewer but larger flowers. Here is a description:
https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/blog/2019/2/18/the-bright-yellow-flowers-of-cornus-mas-are-an-early-promise-of-spring
Do you know the name of the cultivar you have? How old is the tree, or when did you plant it? Has the tree begun to leaf-out? Does it appear normal other than the flowers? Also, is it planted in an area where the soil is well-drained or frequently saturated?
It would be helpful if you could send a photo of the entire tree along with answers to these questions. Please reply directly to this email and I will be happy to try to assist you.
Thank you for contacting Ask Extension about your dogwood. The most common yellow-flowering dogwood is what we call a Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas). This species typically has clusters of small flowers rather than fewer but larger flowers. Here is a description:
https://www.seattlejapanesegarden.org/blog/2019/2/18/the-bright-yellow-flowers-of-cornus-mas-are-an-early-promise-of-spring
Do you know the name of the cultivar you have? How old is the tree, or when did you plant it? Has the tree begun to leaf-out? Does it appear normal other than the flowers? Also, is it planted in an area where the soil is well-drained or frequently saturated?
It would be helpful if you could send a photo of the entire tree along with answers to these questions. Please reply directly to this email and I will be happy to try to assist you.
Thank you for your prompt response. We planted this dogwood that initially produced large white flowers about 24 years ago. I am sending you a photo of the bark and the tree as best as Zi could take it. The low hanging branch is broken off from the snow. As you can see, it has new shoots coming from the trunk.
Sent from my iPhone
Sent from my iPhone
On Apr 23, 2022, at 9:39 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Dear Evelyn,
Thank you for the additional photos and information. Dogwoods typically have life expectancies of 20 to 30 years. The appearance of the suckering shoots is an indication that your tree is under stress and it may be nearing the end of its life.
I suggest you cut off the suckers and any dead limbs. Make sure the tree has sufficient water and nutrients throughout the year. Mulching with 3 to 4 inches of woodchips would be beneficial. Mulch should be kept several inches away from the trunk, but ideally should cover as much of the drip zone of the tree as possible. Be prepared to remove the tree if it begins to show additional signs of deterioration.
I'm sorry to be the harbinger of sad news. I'm sure your tree has given you many years of enjoyment.
Thank you for the additional photos and information. Dogwoods typically have life expectancies of 20 to 30 years. The appearance of the suckering shoots is an indication that your tree is under stress and it may be nearing the end of its life.
I suggest you cut off the suckers and any dead limbs. Make sure the tree has sufficient water and nutrients throughout the year. Mulching with 3 to 4 inches of woodchips would be beneficial. Mulch should be kept several inches away from the trunk, but ideally should cover as much of the drip zone of the tree as possible. Be prepared to remove the tree if it begins to show additional signs of deterioration.
I'm sorry to be the harbinger of sad news. I'm sure your tree has given you many years of enjoyment.
