The Flowering Dogwood Tree
The Flowering Dogwood Project highlights native dogwoods as beneficial ornamental trees.
Welcome to the Flowering Dogwood Project!
In introducing our Tree of the Year 2026: The Flowering Dogwood, LEAF is launching the Flowering Dogwood Project, an educational campaign to bring native dogwoods to the light as beneficial ornamental trees! Throughout this next year, LEAF will be sharing a Flowering Dogwood guide, offering a few awards and contests, and hosting a few other dogwood-centric events. Celebrate with us - check out the events below!
Why the Flowering Dogwood Tree?
Ecological Threats!
Due to dogwood anthracnose, some regions have seen up to a 79% decrease in Flowering Dogwoods. White Flowering Dogwood is native to Erie, PA, and its pink- and white-cultivars are resistant to this historical disease. Through this initiative, we could educate the public further about choosing native ornamental trees while replacing an important peice of Erie’s ecology.
Aesthetics
Landscapers and homeowners often choose aesthetically pleasing trees to plant, without always considering their environmental impact. Flowering dogwoods provide the look of an ornamental AND the benefits of a native plant.
Environment
Once established, Flowering Dogwoods directly impact the soil they’re planted in for the better. The leaf litter of dogwood trees biodegrade quicker than most species.
Ecology
We already know native trees are an important facet of environmental health specific to individual habitats. Some trees can be considered a keystone species because of their ecological significance. Check out more on this piece in the infographics below!
Celebrate Flowering Dogwoods with us!