Dogwoods benefit the ecosystem by pulling calcium from the ground up into their leaves and enriching the soil when they fall.
The characteristic white or pink blossoms of a dogwood tree are actually not petals but leaves (called bracts) surrounding small green flowers. Nevertheless, they’re a beautiful springtime sight. Throughout the year, a dogwood’s display continues as its oval-shaped leaves turn red in the fall and red fruit appears from fall into winter, though some species produce white or blue-black fruit. Come winter, dogwood trees’ scaly bark, often compared to alligator skin, stands out among bare branches. Dogwoods benefit the ecosystem by pulling calcium from the ground up into their leaves and enriching the soil when they fall.