Native Dogwood Trees Play Important Role in Midwest and Eastern United States Conservation and Wetland Restoration
Native dogwood trees are important to the natural landscapes of the Midwest and eastern United States, offering both aesthetic beauty and considerable ecological and wildlife benefits. These trees and shrubs, part of the genus Cornus, are valued for their stunning spring blooms, vibrant fall foliage, and, in some instances, colorful winter stems. This article explores the different species of native dogwood trees in these regions, their ecological importance, and their specific roles in enhancing biodiversity and restoring ecosystems from upland forests to wetlands.
Overall Ecological Importance of Native Dogwoods
Native dogwoods offer numerous ecological benefits, making them essential to the Midwest’s ecosystems. Their contributions include:
Wildlife Habitat and Food Source
Dogwoods produce berries (technically drupes) that are rich in fat and ripen in the fall. They serve as essential food sources for a variety of wildlife and birds, including over 75 species of birds. Mammals such as chipmunks, squirrels, foxes, skunks, deer, beavers, and black bears also relish dogwood fruits. Furthermore, dogwoods provide habitat for pollinators, including the spring azure butterfly, whose larvae feed on the leaves.
Soil Stabilization
The fibrous root systems of dogwoods, particularly shrub species like silky and red osier dogwoods, help anchor soil in areas prone to erosion, such as streambanks and wetland edges. This reduces sedimentation in waterways, preserving water quality and aquatic habitats. As part of a diverse plant population, their roots contribute to a vibrant microbiota and promote healthy soil.
Biodiversity Support
By incorporating structural diversity into forests and wetlands, dogwoods provide shelter and nesting sites for various wildlife. Their presence boosts ecosystem health, benefiting both plant and animal communities.
Aesthetic and Seasonal Interest Beyond their functional roles, dogwoods bring year-round beauty to the landscape—spring blooms, lush summer foliage and fruits, vibrant fall colors, and striking winter stems in the case of red osier dogwood. This aesthetic value often motivates conservation efforts.
These benefits highlight the significance of dogwoods in preserving ecological balance and fostering native biodiversity.
Dogwoods in Conservation and Wetland Restoration
Wetland restoration projects in the Midwest and eastern United States focus on reestablishing native plant communities to restore vital ecological functions, such as water filtration, flood control, and habitat provision. Native dogwoods, especially wetland-adapted species like silky dogwood and red osier dogwood, are frequently included in these initiatives because of their adaptability and practical benefits:
Adaptation to Wet Conditions
Silky dogwood and red osier dogwood flourish in saturated soils, making them perfect for planting in wetlands, riparian buffers, and flood-prone areas. Their capacity to withstand fluctuating water levels guarantees their survival and effectiveness in dynamic environments.
Erosion Control
Dogwoods with shrubby habits tend to naturalize. Their dense, fibrous root systems create thickets that stabilize soil along streambanks and wetland edges, reducing erosion and preventing sediment from clogging waterways. This is especially valuable in areas recovering from degradation or human modification.
Water Absorption and Flood Mitigation
Wetlands with dogwoods function as natural sponges, soaking up excess water during heavy rainfall and lowering flood risk. Restoring these areas with native species improves their ability to manage water flow, benefiting ecosystems and human communities.
Wildlife Habitat Restoration
Reintroducing dogwoods into degraded wetlands creates habitats for a diverse range of species, including pollinators like the rusty patched bumblebee, migratory birds, and small mammals. This supports broader conservation goals aimed at enhancing biodiversity.
Carbon Sequestration
Like all trees, dogwoods absorb carbon dioxide, helping to mitigate climate change. Wetland ecosystems, in particular, serve as highly effective carbon sinks, and restoring these areas with native species enhances this carbon sequestration benefit.
These qualities establish dogwoods as a vital component of wetland restoration strategies, merging ecological functionality with resilience.
Native Dogwood Species of the Midwest
A diverse array of native dogwood species exists in the Midwest and Eastern United States, each suited to the region’s unique habitats. Below are the main species found in this area, ranked by their moisture requirements.
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Perhaps the most iconic dogwood, this small tree is celebrated for its showy white or pink bracts, which bloom in spring and resemble large flowers. Its vibrant red berries and stunning fall color make it a landscape highlight.
Wetland Indicator Status: FACU (Facultative Upland)
Habitat Insight: This species flourishes in well-drained, acidic soils and is often found in upland forests, on wooded slopes, and along forest edges. Its FACU status indicates that it flourishes in drier, non-wetland environments and is seldom found in saturated soils, making it well-suited for upland restoration projects.
Alternate-Leaved Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia)
Recognized for its distinctive alternate leaf arrangement—an uncommon feature among dogwoods. It develops into a small tree or large shrub and bears clusters of bluish berries that attract wildlife.
Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative)
Habitat Insight: This species is often found in moist, shaded areas like streambanks and north-facing slopes. It is adaptable to a range of moisture levels. Its FAC status means it’s just as likely to grow in wetlands as in non-wetlands, reflecting its versatility in transitional habitats.
Rough-Leaved Dogwood (Cornus drummondii)
Its rough-textured leaves and creamy white flower clusters make it distinctive, and it produces white berries that support local wildlife.
Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative)
Habitat Insight: This species tolerates disturbed and drier conditions, such as successional fields and forest edges. It often grows in successional fields, along forest edges, and in open woodlands Its FAC status indicates that it can grow in both wetland and non-wetland areas, though it often favors slightly drier sites within that range.
Silky Dogwood (Cornus amomum)
A shrub-like species, silky dogwood is adaptable to wet soils. Its clusters of berries make it valuable for wildlife and an important part of lowland ecosystems.
Wetland Indicator Status: FACW (Facultative Wetland)
Habitat Insight: Silky dogwood thrives in wetland environments, including swamps, marshes, and streambanks. Its FACW status confirms its typical occurrence in wetlands. Its ability to tolerate wet, poorly drained soils makes it an excellent choice for wetland restoration.
Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Known for its striking red stems, which are particularly vibrant in winter. Its white flowers and berries and its ability to flourish in saturated conditions make it a favored choice for streambank restoration projects.
Wetland Indicator Status: FACW (Facultative Wetland)
Habitat Insight: Red osier dogwood thrives in riparian zones and wetlands. It excels in saturated conditions, aiding wetland restoration and erosion control efforts, although it can also adapt to slightly drier areas.
Together, these dogwood species cover a variety of habitats, enhancing the Midwest’s ecological diversity and resilience.
Select dogwood species for conservation and wetland restoration projects according to the site’s characteristics and natural communities. For instance,
FACU Species (e.g., Flowering Dogwood): Ideal for the forest natural community, and upland reforestation in areas with well-drained soils.
FAC Species (e.g., Alternate-Leaved and Rough-Leaved Dogwoods): Versatile for transitional zones or areas with fluctuating moisture.
FACW Species (e.g., Silky and Red Osier Dogwoods): Perfect for the wetland natural community, including streambank restorations, stabilizing saturated soils, and improving wildlife habitats.
By matching your site’s light, moisture, and soil conditions with its corresponding natural community, you can choose the most suitable native species for your projects and improve each project’s success.
Examples of Dogwood Use in Restoration Projects
These Midwest conservation initiatives highlight the practical use of native dogwoods in restoration efforts:
Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District’s Reforestation and Wetland Restoration Program
This ambitious project aims to plant millions of native trees and shrubs, including dogwoods, to restore wetlands and enhance water management in the Greater Milwaukee Watersheds. By improving the landscape’s capacity to absorb precipitation, the program mitigates flooding and enhances water quality.
Hardwood Swamp Restoration at Schlitz Audubon Nature Center
Silky dogwood was planted alongside other native species in this effort to restore a rare hardwood swamp habitat. By creating a diverse, wetland-friendly ecosystem, the project supports species like the rusty patched bumblebee and migratory birds.
Forget Me Not Creek Restoration Project
This initiative involved re-meandering a stream and restoring adjacent wetlands. Red osier dogwood stabilized streambanks and provided wildlife habitat. The result was a healthier, more resilient riparian zone.
These examples demonstrate how dogwoods are both functional and transformative in restoring degraded landscapes.
By planting and protecting these native trees, we can help preserve a region’s natural heritage and ensure that its landscapes thrive for generations to come. Forrest Keeling grows these native dogwood species and hundreds of other native trees, shrubs, perennials, and grasses using their patented Root Production Method® (RPM) for 2X faster growth and unsurpassed survivability on even the toughest sites.
Forrest Keeling… it’s where the best trees begin!