Great Smoky Mountains - Dogwood in the smokies

Called "America's best-loved flowering tree," the flowering dogwood is one of the most beautiful and well-known reminders that Spring is here in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The flowering dogwood tree blooms from early April into May and peaks in mid-April. So, if you want to witness these beautiful flowering trees in person, now is the time to do it. The white flowers that make this tree easily recognizable in the Spring are not even flowers at all. The actual flowers are in a tiny cluster in the center of four white petal-like bracts. They are also easily identifiable from the leaves as well as the flowers. The bright green leaves are veined and grow directly opposite each other on the branch. The dogwood tree has very hard wood that the pioneers used for horse collars, cogs for grist mills, and shuttles for looms. It has even been said that the cross used at the crucifixion was made from the sturdy dogwood tree. So if you want to see the beautiful flowering dogwood tree yourself, hop to it, because before we know it their blooms will fade and summer will arrive. If you'd like to learn more about dogwoods or any other trees in the park, pick up Trees of the Smokies, on the GSMA website, www.SmokiesInformation.org.