Good Friday post: Cornus florida (Dogwood)

Though probably not true, there is a legend that Jesus’ cross was made from timbers of dogwood trees. So this seemed an appropriate post for today, Good Friday on the Christian calendar.

“The flowering dogwood, one of America’s most beloved trees, is of the Cornus florida species. Although ‘florida’ means ‘flowering’ in Latin, dogwood tree blossoms are actually luxuriant leaves, called bracts that open during springtime in white and vibrant shades of pink and crimson. In autumn the dogwood tree bears bright red fruit that is poisonous to humans, but safe for wildlife consumption” » http://www.ehow.com/about_6554687_history-dogwood-trees.html

Species page at PhytoImages, http://phytoimages.siu.edu/cgi-bin/dol/dol_terminal.pl?taxon_name=Cornus_florida&rank=binomial

Photo taken on the campus of Southern Illinois University Carbondale (south side of Lawson Hall).

1 year ago (“Cambridge Common”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2013-04-18
2 years ago (“On a clear day”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2012-04-18
3 years ago (“Clothesline Project”): http://365project.org/rhoing/365/2011-04-18

[Danette Thompson]

Such a pretty tree.

[Rick Schies]

The tree is a beautiful one for sure