Identifiable by its Bark

It’s said the dogwood is most identifiable by its bark.

Aside from that being a corny cornus nutalli joke, it’s untrue. In California, Pacific dogwood is best identified in autumn by its red, rose or pink leaves and ruddy branches which hang heavy with orange-crimson drupes. In spring, it is appreciated for its showy white to pinkish bracts that decorate the tree’s freshly green boughs.

Yes, when it comes to an entertaining display, a dogwood’s foliage is what matters. Anything else is barking up the wrong tree.