Cornus florida
Dogwood, Flowering or Eastern Dogwood

Mature Height: 20-55'     Longevity: 125 years

3-6 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-8 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Identified in several sources as being very susceptible to drought. But presence in some dry areas including under pine forests leads to assignment of 3 (4 may be better suited but additional info would be nice).

6: Does not tolerate flooding but is found in moist well-drained areas.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Solid Z5. (SOUTH) Solid Z8, small intrusion into Z9 on NE coast of FL.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: Same as NAS.

5   Sun Strength

8   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
5 = moderate
0 = Not a pioneer
+.6 = 3 Major, 2 Minor
-.2 = Sensitive
0 = No
-.3 = 30'
-.2 = 55'

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
8 = Very Tolerant
+.3 = Climax Capable
+.6 = 3 Major, 2 Minor
-.2 = Sensitive
0 = No
-.2 = 30'
-.3 = 125 years

TOTAL SCORE (4.9): Knowing Your Trees "Slow" growth rate is aberration from "moderate" to "fast" rates in other sources. Tree does not grow very tall. Occurrence within wide range of soil orders offset by diminutive size & sensitivity to salt

TOTAL SCORE (8.2): Climax ability & wide soil range offset by short lifespan, size & sensitivity to salt.

1   Fire Strength

5   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: Small Tree = 1
Small size, thin bark, shallow roots all ensure lowest fire rating.
Final Value = 1

DEFENSE
Base Score: Small Tree = 4-5
Small tree routinely found in understory of woods. Hard strong wood & extensive root system lead to assignment of highest value.
Final Value = 5