Facts and Legend of the Dogwood Tree
According to legend, the dogwood once grew as a tall, straight tree. But when the dogwood was used to make the cross, Jesus was so moved that He promised the tree would never again grow large enough to be employed for such a purpose. It is said that the bracts of the dogwood flower resemble the shape of the cross and bear nail marks of the Crucifixion. The red in the leaves in autumn has been associated with the Savior's blood on Calvary.
The dogwood has served in the field of medicine. Before quinine came into general use, dogwood bark was one of many barks used as a fever medicine. From an 1827 Materia Medica the following is quoted:
"The bark is tonic, astringent, and stimulating; it is given in powder, infusions, and decoction. The stomach and bowels are sometimes disordered by it, and on this account it is generally combined with laudanum. It is used in all diseases of debility, in agues, colic, and is combined with other tonics and aromatics: the dose is (2 scruples) of the powder."
The name Dogwood apparently originated in Europe. The bark of one of the European species, when boiled in water, was used for washing dogs suffering from mange. Another source, however, states that the word `dogwood' was derived from dagwood, dag being an old name for a meat skewer and the hard wood of this species being useful for that purpose.
Of more importance is the role the dogwood has played in the textile industry and in sports. The wood of the dogwood is very heavy and very hard. It is tough and resistant to abrasion. In fact, with wear it becomes extremely smooth. This is important in making shuttles for weaving. The wood is also used in golf clubs and as wedges for splitting logs.
Mark Halcomb
University of Tennessee Agriculture Extension
Area Nursery Specialist
Comm/Consumer Hort./Holly Uses at Xmas Dec, 1999
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