Environmental Adaptation and Ornamental Display of Cornus Florida Ecotypes    (View PDF)

R. C. Heatley, J. J. Kielbasoand G. S. Howell

Abstract: A flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) rangewide provenance study was begun in 1972 in Michigan. One block was planted on an open hilltop and another under the shade of another plantation. Trees from 18 states were rated for fall color; from 15 states for cold hardiness, flowering, and presence of stem cankers. Northern seed sources were hardier when grown in the open than under shade. Fall color was best for northern sources grown in the open; shaded trees developed minimal color. Use of northern seed sources should provide hardier trees with better fall color displays and better flowering in northern landscapes.

Keywords: Cornus florida, dogwood, cold hardiness, fall color, flowering, provenance, seed source.

https://doi.org/10.48044/jauf.1994.054