What does dogwood mean?
Dogwood is the common name for a group of trees and shrubs belonging to the genus Cornus, widely grown for their ornamental appeal. In spring many species produce showy white or pink floral displays — botanically modified leaves called bracts rather than true petals — while their foliage often turns brilliant red or purple in autumn. The name derives from an older sense of 'dog', referring to the tree's hard, slender stems, which were once used to make skewers, daggers, and other small implements; the wood itself remains valued for its density and fine grain. In Britain, native dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) is a familiar hedgerow shrub with striking red winter stems, while in North America the flowering dogwood is a beloved garden and woodland tree, so much so that it serves as a state flower in several US states. The word carries pleasant horticultural and seasonal associations.
nounA dogwood is a tree or shrub of the genus Cornus, known for its showy spring flowers, colourful autumn foliage, and distinctive bark. The term also refers to the hard, fine-grained wood of these trees.
- A tree or shrub of the genus Cornus, especially one grown ornamentally for its spring flowers or bright autumn leaves.
- The hard, close-grained wood of such a tree, historically used for small implements like skewers, tool handles, and shuttles.
"The dogwood in the front garden bursts into white blossom every April."
"A flowering dogwood shaded the porch, its branches heavy with white bracts each spring."
"Traditional weavers prized dogwood for its dense, smooth grain when crafting tool handles."
The plural applies when referring to multiple trees or individual specimens of the genus.
"The lane was lined with dogwoods in full flower."
Dogwood got its name because its tough, slender stems were once boiled to make 'dogs' — the skewers and butchers' daggers of old — not after any canine companion.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of dogwood
Dogwood is formed from 'dog' plus 'wood', first attested in English around the early seventeenth century. The element 'dog' here does not refer to the animal but reflects an older use of the word meaning worthless, inferior, or common — applied to plants considered coarse or of little value, as in 'dog rose'. Cognate formations include 'dog violet' and 'dog rose', which share this same pejorative sense of 'dog' rather than any botanical kinship with canines.
How dogwood is actually used
In British English, dogwood most often refers to Cornus sanguinea, the native hedgerow shrub with dark red winter stems. In North America, the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) and Pacific dogwood (Cornus nuttallii) are iconic ornamental trees. Register is neutral; the word appears freely in both gardening and literary contexts.
Easily confused with dogwood
Hazel (Corylus) produces edible nuts and was also used for whippy sticks, whereas dogwood (Cornus) is prized for ornamental flowers and hard timber.