Plant Profile: Swamp Dogwood By Craig Huegel Reprinted from The Understory, Feb.-Mar. 2003 (photo © 2006 by Jan Allyn) Also known as the stiff dogwood because of its rigid upright branches, this plant gets far less attention than its famous cousin. Swamp dogwood (Cornus foemina) is a small deciduous tree, or, more often, a multi-trunked shrub that rarely exceeds 15 feet in height. Branches form off the main trunk(s) close to the ground, and the crown is broad and rounded. Although not as showy as the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), swamp dogwood is an attractive plant. In fact, it was first brought into the ornamental nursery trade as early as 1758. Large, open clusters of white flowers begin blooming in late March and early April. This is several weeks after the new leaves have formed. These leaves often hide the developing buds, but the masses of blooms do not escape notice. The individual flowers resemble those of the viburnums, but the clusters are larger, and they attract many pollinating insects. Swamp dogwood fruit is relished by a wide variety of songbirds and other animals. The broad clusters of bluish, 1/4-inch fruit ripen by midsummer. Each tree produces abundant crops annually, but they don't persist long because wildlife eat them as soon as they mature. As a cover source, swamp dogwood is fairly good at providing hiding cover, but not too good for nesting. For those of you who may wish to plant this species, don't be put off by its name. Although it is normally found in swampy areas or along stream banks, swamp dogwood is fairly adaptable when used in the home landscape. Give it some extra waterings while it becomes established and it should adjust to most situations, except the most well-drained soils. Plant it in an area where it will receive filtered sunlight or at the edge of a wooded area in partial sun, unless it is in a wetland situation. If the soil is always wet, it will tolerate greater sun exposure. Unlike other Florida dogwoods, swamp dogwood ranges over most of the state. It is well-adapted to our climate and is not susceptible to the problems that plague flowering dogwood. Whether you intend to use it along a wetland or retention pond or as an accent in your home landscape, swamp dogwood will be an attractive and useful addition.