Better known as the flowering dogwood, Cornus florida is a small bushy tree frequently used as an ornamental. Traditionally, however, the flowering dogwood was used as a curative for fever and other ailments, and its twigs were chewed to help whiten teeth.

Native to a broad range of North America, extending from Maine to Florida and as far west as Texas, the flowering dogwood can reach heights of up to 40 feet, but is usually substantially smaller. In addition to a great number of white or pink flower bracts, the deciduous tree grows red oval berries that hang in clusters and mature in the fall. The dense crown of the tree makes the dogwood good for providing shade and its modest size makes it a popular planting choice of homeowners with small yards.

Some populations of flowering dogwood trees have been severely damaged by the blight dogwood anthracnose. Although the disease first appeared in the late 1970s, the causative organism, Discula destructive, was not identified until 1991. Distinct from other forms of anthracnose because it thrives it cooler climates, the dogwood disease has been particularly problematic in mountainous regions. Symptoms of infection include sunken spots on leaves, flowers, and berries, which enlarge and lead to the wilting and eventual death of tree tissues.