A small tree, up to 30 ft (9 m) in height and 35 ft (10.7 m) across, but the typical size is more like 15 ft (4.6 m) tall and 15-20 ft (4.6-6 m) across. Leaves opposite, deciduous midgreen, 3-6 in long, which turn red and purple in autumn. The inflorescence consists of four showy petal-like bracts, usually snow white or pink, surrounding a cluster of tiny inconspicuous yellowish flowers. The bracts are 1-2 in (2.5-5 cm) long and obovate in shape, usually with a cleft at the tip. Clusters of bright red football shaped fruits, about a half inch long, follow the flowers and often persist into winter.

Antiperiodic, astringent, diaphoretic, mildly stimulant and tonic (dried root bark).

Cornus florida
Floridata
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Plants for a Future
Botanical.com

Betulinic acid, gallic acid, tannin, verbenalin (bark); inositol, kaempferol, quercetin (flower); ursolic acid (plant)

To treat malaria, chronic diarrhoea (a tea from root bark); on external ulcers, wounds, to reduce fevers and to restore a lost voice (bark).