Dogwood trees and cherry blossoms are two of the most beloved spring blooming trees. Both put on a spectacular floral display in early spring, covering their branches in a canopy of white and pink flowers But while they may look similar at first glance, dogwoods and cherry blossoms are actually quite different
In this article, we’ll unpack the key differences between these two ornamental trees to help you tell them apart. We’ll compare their appearance, growth habits, care needs, and more so you can make an informed choice for your landscape.
Appearance and Size
The most obvious difference between dogwoods and cherry blossoms is their size and shape.
-
Dogwood trees are smaller, growing 10-30 feet tall and wide. They have a rounded, spreading canopy.
-
Cherry blossoms are larger, reaching 15-35 feet tall and 10-25 feet wide. They have a vase-shaped growth habit.
Dogwood leaves are oval 3-6 inches long and arranged oppositely along the stems. Cherry blossom leaves are oblong, 2-5 inches long, and alternate along the branches.
The flowers also look quite different:
-
Dogwoods have clusters of small yellow flowers surrounded by four white or pink bracts (modified leaves).
-
Cherry blossoms have clusters of 5-petaled white or pink flowers without any bracts.
So while both bloom in shades of white and pink, dogwood flowers are actually composed of colorful bracts rather than petals.
Growth Rate and Adaptability
Dogwood trees are slow to medium growers, adding just 1-2 feet per year. Cherry blossoms grow faster, adding over 2 feet annually.
Dogwoods are highly adaptable and hardy, tolerating a wide range of climates and soil conditions. They grow happily in full sun to partial shade.
Cherry blossoms prefer full sun and are a bit more particular about their growing requirements. They need well-drained, slightly acidic soil to thrive.
Bloom Season
While both trees flower in spring, their bloom times are slightly staggered:
-
Dogwoods bloom in early to mid spring, before their leaves emerge.
-
Cherry blossoms bloom in mid to late spring, coinciding with leaf emergence.
This means dogwood flowers provide some of the earliest spring color while cherry blossoms extend the spring floral display into late April/early May.
Flower Structure
The flowers may appear similar from afar, but up close they are quite different:
-
Dogwoods have tiny clustered yellow flowers surrounded by four notched bracts. The bracts look like petals but they are actually modified leaves.
-
Cherry blossoms have clusters of five-petaled white or pink flowers. No bracts are present – what looks like petals are actual petals.
So dogwood “petals” are botanically bracts, while cherry blossom petals are true petals.
Fragrance
One of the most delightful differences between these trees is their fragrance:
-
Dogwood flowers have little to no detectable fragrance.
-
Cherry blossoms are wonderfully fragrant, perfuming the air with a sweet, almond-like scent.
So cherry blossoms appeal to multiple senses, treating you to a visual and olfactory delight!
Fruit
Dogwoods and cherry blossoms both produce ornamental fruits after flowering:
-
Dogwoods bear clusters of vivid red berries in late summer/fall. These berries attract songbirds.
-
Cherry blossoms produce small, cherry-like fruit. Some varieties have edible fruits, though most ornamental varieties do not.
The fruits add extended seasonal interest to both trees after the flowers fade.
Fall Color
Both dogwood and cherry blossom leaves transform into a fall display of color:
-
Dogwood leaves turn bright red and purple in fall.
-
Cherry blossom leaves shift to hues of yellow, orange and bronze.
So dogwoods provide more vibrant red/purple fall color while cherry blossom foliage takes on warmer yellow and orange tones.
Winter Interest
Even in winter, these trees offer ornamental appeal:
-
Dogwood branches have a mosaic bark pattern in gray, olive green and brown.
-
Cherry blossoms have shiny, chestnut brown bark dotted with horizontal lenticels.
The textured bark provides year-round interest and visibility during the leafless months.
Cultural Symbolism
Beyond aesthetics, both trees have cultural and symbolic significance:
-
Dogwoods represent endurance and perseverance. They are the state tree of Virginia and Missouri.
-
In Japan, cherry blossoms represent renewal and the ephemeral nature of life. They are an iconic symbol of Japanese culture.
Growing Requirements
Though both are ornamental flowering trees, dogwoods and cherry blossoms have some differing needs:
Sun Exposure
- Dogwoods: Partial sun to full sun
- Cherry Blossoms: Full sun
Soil
- Dogwoods: Moist, well-draining, acidic soil
- Cherry Blossoms: Consistently moist, slightly acidic to neutral pH soil
Watering
- Dogwoods: Moderate water needs, can withstand short droughts
- Cherry Blossoms: Consistent watering required, especially during dry periods
Fertilization
- Dogwoods: Occasional light fertilization
- Cherry Blossoms: Benefit from annual spring fertilization
Pruning
- Both benefit from occasional pruning to maintain shape and remove dead branches
Pests/Diseases
- Dogwoods: Susceptible to borers, canker, spot anthracnose and powdery mildew
- Cherry Blossoms: Prone to aphids, scale, leaf spot and tent caterpillars
Availability and Cost
Dogwood trees are very common and inexpensive, ranging from $50 to $150 for a young tree. Cherry blossom trees are also reasonably priced but slightly more expensive, available from $150 to $250.
Numerous cultivated varieties of each tree exist, providing diverse options in size, flower color, leaf shape, and growth habit.
The Bottom Line
While dogwoods and cherry blossoms both herald spring with their flowers, they have distinct differences when it comes to appearance, growing needs, and ornamental qualities.
-
Dogwoods are smaller, prefer partial shade, and have bracts surrounding tiny flowers.
-
Cherry blossoms are larger, require full sun, and have clusters of 5-petaled fragrant flowers.
Hopefully this overview has helped illuminate the key similarities and differences between these two spring flowering favorites. When chosen carefully and placed properly, both dogwood trees and cherry blossoms will enhance your landscape with spectacular spring blooms and year-round beauty.
My Cart Your Cart is empty
As the barren landscape springs to life and warm weather arrives we begin to emerge from our homes and bask in the sun. It is time to get outside and take in the sights and scents of spring blooms! There are so many options for adding spring color to your landscape. Lets start with our recommendations for the best spring blooming trees.
Few early spring blossoms are more recognizable than the American Dogwood. And as far as bloom color you have options. Choose from White, Pink, and Red. When these stunning trees begin to bloom it is a sure sign that spring is coming.
The mature height and width of a Dogwood ranges from about 15 to 30 feet. These beautiful trees can generally handle full sun especially in cooler climates, but in warmer climates they prefer some shade. Dogwoods do best in a rich, slightly acidic, well-drained soil, but are pretty adaptable as long as they are not water-logged. The fall leaf color is a stunning red that cant be missed! The scaly, light gray bark exudes a true unique beauty. Dogwoods thrive in growing zones 5 to 9, covering almost the entire US!
Id be lying if I told you guys these arent my favorite flowering trees. The delicate beauty of their blooms are beyond compare. Im sure you have seen a tattoo or 10 showcasing sakura (cherry blossoms) and Flowering Cherry trees. From good luck to feminine strength to the fleeting beauty of life, you will find so many meanings attributed to these treasured blooms. Flowering Cherry Trees are native to Asia and are celebrated with festivals and parks and in art. The US fell in love with these gorgeous trees in the early 1900s when they were introduced as a gift from Japan. The US followed suit with festivals, parks and art showcasing them as well.
The hardy Kwanzan has the longest bloom time of any Flowering Cherry tree. It also touts the largest, lushest blooms and a stunning golden-orange fall color! This tree can grow to about 40 feet tall and wide. Kwanzan Flowering Cherry trees thrive in full sun and any well-drained soil. Like the Dogwood, this tree grows in most of the US with growing zones 5 to 9.
You may already be seeing the blooms of this classic Flowering Cherry tree! It is one the very first trees to flower, blooming around Mid March. This is probably the most popular Flowering Cherry tree. The blossoms of the Yoshino have a uniquely light and sweet almond scent. The fall color ranges from a yellow to a golden-orange. This trees mature height is 20 to 30 feet with a width of about 15 to 25 feet. This flowering tree is adaptable to a variety of well-drained soils and enjoys full to part sun. The Yoshino grows in zones 5 to 8.
The Redbud we just adore is the Eastern Redbud. This is one of the most unique Flowering Trees with clusters of deep pinkish purple blooms that emerge tight to the branches and trunk. The leaves are heart-shaped and emerge a shiny red in spring, transitioning into a deep green as summer approaches. The fall color is yellow. The rounded vase shape of this tree is certainly a feature that makes it stand out in this competitive group! The mature height and width of the Eastern Redbud is around 20 to 30 feet. The Redbud is hardy, sturdy and adapts to a variety of soils. Provide full or partial sun. This tree grows in zones 4 to 9.
Which Flowering Tree is Right for you?
For the earliest bloomer, go with the Yoshino, although the Redbud isnt far behind. If you want a white bloom look to the Yoshino or the Dogwood. The Redbud is a pinkish purple, probably best described as magenta. If you want a red (really a pinkish-red), look to the Dogwood. Redbuds have the most unique and stunning leaves, but the red fall color of the Dogwood is hard to beat! The Redbud is the the most cold hardy growing into a zone 4. All of these spring blooming trees except the Yoshino can grow into a zone 9. The Kwanzan is the largest, while the other choices all have a similar mature size. Keep the Dogwood out of wet soil to avoid disease. The Kwanzan and the Eastern Redbud are probably the most hardy and adaptable options. Make sure not to count out our Japanese Snowbell which also blooms beautiful flowers come Spring.
You May Also Like:
5 Favorite Flowering Dogwood Trees | NatureHills.com
FAQ
Is dogwood a type of cherry blossom?
Single cherry blossoms have 5 petals as opposed to the dogwood’s 4 petals. (There are also semi-double blossoms with 6–10 petals and doubles with 10 or more petals for cherry trees.) The bark on cherry trees is smoother looking than dogwood trees with horizontal marks that are called lenticels.
What tree is mistaken for a dogwood?
The native flowering dogwood is sometimes confused with the introduced Kousa dogwood, which is common in landscaping and has also established in the wild in the region around NYC.
What trees are mistaken for cherry blossoms?
Apricots (Prunus armeniaca), peaches (P. persica), and nectarines (also P. persica) have showy spring blossoms that all resemble cherries. They may be white or pink, depending on the cultivar or hybrid.
Are dogwood trees related to cherry blossoms?
Cherry Blossoms: Since dogwood and cherry blossom trees are both popular as ornamental landscape additions, it can be difficult for beginners to differentiate them. This article will discuss seven significant differences between dogwood trees and cherry blossoms. Let’s first find out if cherry blossoms are related to the dogwood tree.
Do dogwood trees have white flowers?
Both dogwood trees and cherry trees produce pink and white flowers, though the majority of dogwood trees have white flowers. In scientific terms, these flowers are very different. On a cherry tree, the flowers are ‘true’. This means the white or pink petals are real petals that surround the anthers of the flower.
Are dogwood trees better than cherry trees?
Dogwood trees, in their natural environment, are understory trees, and therefore they have a smaller stature than cherry trees, which do not grow beneath the canopy of taller trees. If you are looking for a tree to provide shade, then either the dogwood or the cherry tree can work well since they both have broad, full canopies.
How do you know if a dogwood tree is a cherry tree?
If you see a tree blooming in late June, then this can be identified as the Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), which flowers later than the majority of other dogwood species. The foliage of the dogwood tree is quite different from the cherry tree, and this may be one of the easiest ways to differentiate these species from each other.
Do cherry blossom & dogwood trees need to be pruned?
Concerning maintenance, cherry blossom and dogwood tree is relatively low maintenance but can benefit from regular pruning to control their shape, size, and dead branches. It would help if you considered regularly pruning damaged or crossing branches to keep your tree healthy. Pruning will also help you promote new growth with both of these trees.
When does a dogwood tree bloom?
The blooming time of both the cherry tree and dogwood tree are similar, with both trees typically flowering in spring on bare branches before the emergence of foliage. If you see a tree blooming in late June, then this can be identified as the Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa), which flowers later than the majority of other dogwood species.