Flowering Dogwood is widely viewed as the most spectacular of the flowering trees native to Eastern North America. This tree has it all: spectacular blooms that cover the tree; red fruit, loved by birds; and autumn color in shades of burgundy and red. (Yes, we know that the “blossoms” are actually bracts that surround fairly tiny true blooms, but there’s no need to be too technical with something so beautiful.) The Flowering Dogwood has either single or multiple trunks and a canopy that spreads almost horizontally. The bark is light gray and smooth when young and becomes gray-brown with a distinctive appearance resembling alligator skin, adding interest to the winter landscape.