Dogwood Tree

Member of Dogwood Family

Blooms: March - April

In March and April the woods are full of beautiful white dogwood trees that cascade against the early signs of trees beginning to put out their leaves. They can grow up to 30 ft. tall.

In the fall they have very colorful leaves and red berries which are a good food source for wildlife.

There are some 60 species of Dogwoods, here in East Texas we have the Eastern Dogwood.

There is a 'Legend of the Dogwood" that I have heard all my life. I don't think all of it is true, but then it is a "legend". It does though remind us of the Easter season and Crucifixion and Resurection of our Lord and Savior. It says that the blossoms of the tree have four petals, 2 long and 2 short, symbolizing the cross. The center of each bloom resembles the crown of thorns. At the center of the outer edge of each petal there is a brown, rust indention with light traces of red, which is said to symbolize the nail prints that are stained with blood. Just a story , but does remind us of the Easter season which is upon us.

"And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

And sitting down they watched him. And set up over his head his accusation written, THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS".

Matthew 27: 35-37.