Plant of the Month
Dogwood by Dave Dister
There are sixteen species of dogwood (Cornus spp.) that are native to North America, and eight of these are native to Michigan. Dogwoods range in size from the well-known tree, flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) to the minute shrub, bunchberry (Cornus canadensis). All dogwoods have numerous flowers that provide nectar for pollinating insects, and colorful fruits that are valuable food sources for wildlife, especially birds. 
Even the buds, twigs, and leaves of dogwoods are eaten by wildlife, though not seriously enough to harm the plants. Of course, the shrubby dogwoods often provide nest sites for breeding songbirds, and the insects they feed their young may occur on their own nest plant or nearby. The dogwoods most often recommended for wildlife habitats include the gray-twig or red-panicled dogwood (Cornus racemosa) and silky dogwood (Cornus amomum).
Some dogwoods are attractive enough to be found in the nursery trade, especially flowering dogwood, red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera), and alternate-leaved or pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia). Most species of shrubby dogwoods grow in moist to wet open habitats such as streamsides, wet meadows, and swamps. 
For all their leaf and fruit color, plus value to wildlife, our native dogwoods are among the best group of plants to incorporate into your bird-friendly landscapes. For more information on dogwoods, check out the following websites:
Trees and Shrubs Fact Sheet
Dogwood Fact Sheet
Plant of the Month Archives
December 2008 - Witch Hazel
January 2009 - Winterberry
March 2009 - Desert Ironwood
April 2009 - Marsh Marigold
May 2009 - Serviceberry
June 2009 - Choke Cherry
July 2009 - Northern Bush Honeysuckle
August 2009 - Butterfly-weed
September 2009 - Firecracker bush
October 2009 - Black Swallow-wort
November 2009 - Cranberries
December 2009 - Dogwood