Knowledgebase

Tree ID #821758

Asked March 06, 2023, 10:40 AM EST

Hello I am including a picture of a dogwood tree and would like to know if you could possibly identify the type. I am also including a picture of the base of our Cleveland Select Pear tree which appears to be red. I am not sure if this red is something to be concerned about. Thank you in advance.

Kenton County Kentucky

Expert Response

It is not possible to identify the dogwood cultivar without knowing much more about it including when it was planted, where it was purchased, and what other plants in the same area are blooming at the same time.  Based on the size alone it is possible that it is just the native flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) rather than an improved cultivar which tend to be grafted on dwarfing rootstock. 

'Cleveland Select' is a cultivar of callery pear, a species native Asia.  This was once a recommended tree but it is no longer recommended.  The original cultivar, 'Bradford', is self-incompatible.  Unfortunately, once other cultivars were developed they were all able to cross-pollinate leading to the problem we have now.  Wildlife readily spreads the seed and the seedlings are thorny, and highly invasive.  They also release chemicals from their roots inhibiting the germination of other plants.  Some states have gone so far as to prohibit their planting.  In the home landscape they are short-lived and are prone to splitting because of the weak wood and narrow branch angles.  I would recommend removing the tree and replacing it with something better suited.

An Ask Extension Expert Replied March 17, 2023, 4:15 PM EDT

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