Quick answer: Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is native to 31 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. It's typically seed, verified 04 Nov 2026.
Photo: Eric Hunt, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Low water, Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained, acid soil - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam |
| Bloom | Bloom Feb-Jun |
| Height | Up to 65 ft, typically 20-40 ft |
| Wildlife value | Fruit feeds birds and mammals including deer, flowers attract birds/butterflies, larval host for Spring Azure, special value to native bees |
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (04 Nov 2026), via Amazon.
Sold as: Seed via Amazon · listing verified 04 Nov 2026
See where to buy →Quick answers about Flowering dogwood
Where is Flowering dogwood native?
Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) is native to 31 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Flowering dogwood bloom?
Flowering dogwood blooms Feb-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Flowering dogwood need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Low water, Dry-Moist. Soil: Rich, well-drained, acid soil - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam. Mature height: Up to 65 ft, typically 20-40 ft.
Is Flowering dogwood good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Fruit feeds birds and mammals including deer, flowers attract birds/butterflies, larval host for Spring Azure, special value to native bees.
Is Flowering dogwood deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Flowering dogwood is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Where can I buy real Flowering dogwood seed or plants?
We found a listing sold as seed that names the true species, last checked 04 Nov 2026. Look for the scientific name Cornus florida on any listing.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Flowering dogwood.
- Northern spicebush Lindera benzoin
- American holly Ilex opaca
- Black cherry Prunus serotina
- White ash Fraxinus americana
- White oak Quercus alba
- Common winterberry Ilex verticillata
Also listed under
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