About Dogwoods

The Legend of the Dogwood Tree

When Christ was on earth, the dogwood grew
To a towering size with a lovely hue
Its branches were strong and interwoven
And for Christ’s cross its timbers were chosen
Being distressed at the use of this wood
Christ made a promise that still holds good:
"Not ever again shall the dogwood grow
To be large enough for a tree, and so
Slender and twisted it shall always be
With cross-shaped blossoms for all to see
The petals shall have bloodstains marked in brown
And in the blossoms center a thorny crown
"All who see it will think of me,
Nailed to a cross from a dogwood tree.
Protected and cherished this tree shall be
A reflection to all of my agony.

For more information of Dogwoods read the UT Extension publication PB 1670 Dogwoods for American Gardens. This publication can be downloaded for no charge by visiting the UT Extension Publications
website: http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications