Dogwood trees are starting to bloom
MARTINSBURG - Have you noticed the white blooms on a tree along the side of the road? It is probably the Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida), which is a member of the Dogwood family (Cornaceae).
The University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service published the following facts and legends concerning the dogwood: The name dogwood apparently originated in Europe. The bark of one of the European species was boiled in water and used for washing dogs suffering from mange.
The name dogwood is less inspirational than the legend that the dogwood once grew as a tall, straight tree and was used for timber. But when the wood was used to make the cross of Calvary, Jesus was so moved that he promised the tree would never again grow large enough to be employed for such a purpose. It is also said that the blossoms of the dogwood are set in the shape of a cross and bear nail marks of the crucifixion, and the red leaves in autumn have been associated with Jesus' blood.
The dogwood also served in the field of medicine at one time. Dogwood bark was one of many barks used as a fever medicine before quinine came into general use. Of more importance is the role the dogwood once played in the textile industry and in sports. The wood from dogwood was used to make shuttles for weaving machines because of its very heavy, fine-grained and very hard properties, and because with wear it becomes extremely smooth and resistant to abrasion. The same qualities made it useful for golf clubs, jewelers' benches and as wedges for splitting logs.
The Flowering dogwood is a beautiful native tree with four-season appeal. It has lovely flowers in spring, attractive foliage in summer and fall, colorful fruit in fall and an interesting growth habit that provides winter interest. Dogwood is common in all parts of West Virginia.