Dogwood Tree, Prairie Pink Cornus florida 'Prairie Pink' Height: 20 feet Spread: 20 feet
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Hardiness Zone: 5b Description: A phenomenally beautiful small specimen tree cherished for its light pink blooms in spring and wide-spreading form; It grows best with wind and heat protection, well-drained acidic soil and adequate precipitation. Ornamental Features Dogwood Tree, Prairie Pink features showy clusters of pink flowers with pink bracts held atop the branches from early to mid spring before the leaves. It has forest green deciduous foliage which emerges burgundy in spring. The pointy leaves turn an outstanding brick red in the fall. It produces red berries from early to late fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. The warty gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape. Landscape Attributes Dogwood Tree, Prairie Pink is a deciduous tree with a stunning habit of growth which features almost oriental horizontally-tiered branches. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition. This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting birds to your yard, but is not particularly attractive to deer who tend to leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics. Dogwood Tree, Prairie Pink is recommended for the following landscape applications; Planting & Growing Dogwood Tree, Prairie Pink will grow to be about 20 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 20 feet. It has a high canopy with a typical clearance of 5 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more. This tree should be grown in a location with partial shade and which is shaded from the hot afternoon sun. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. This plant should be periodically fertilized throughout the active growing season with a specially-formulated acidic fertilizer. It is not particular as to soil type, but has a definite preference for acidic soils, and is subject to chlorosis (yellowing) of the foliage in alkaline soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided, and will benefit from being planted in a relatively sheltered location. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This is a selection of a native North American species. Special Attributes The fruit is approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch berries, generally eaten by birds. All Cornus are classified as nontoxic plants. Dogwood trees are under story trees that grow best in an established neighborhood that provides heat and wind protection.
