![dogwood](https://leafcritters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/dogwood-blossom-closeup-300x281.png)
Dogwood blossom (white, also appear in pink)
The Second Friday in April is Virginia’s Arbor Day!
And its home state tree is the Flowering Dogwood. These leaves unfold a bit after the tree blossoms with its well-known 4 bract flowers. They are conspicuous (that is, showy) and herald the incoming of warmer spring weather. The leaves are somewhat egg-shaped and have deep veining. The tree is not as showy in the fall – the spring blossoms far outshine the fall coloring which is of a yellowish or purplish-brown.
![dogwood, arbor day](https://leafcritters.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/dogwood-leaf-e1523651249907-300x188.png)
Dogwood leaf in spring.
The bark is chunky and mosaic-like on this understory tree. Also the state tree of Missouri, it’s a pretty tree and is often used as an ornamental. Look for this tree in hardiness zones 5-9.