April 7, 2026

Providing protection as the flowers are developing in late winter and early spring, what appear to be petals on blossoms of Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida) are modified leaves called bracts.

The actual tiny flowers, in a shade of soft yellow green, are at the center of the four bracts, each one complete with stamens and pistils, the male and female parts of the flowers. And with the help of pollinators, will develop bright red berries in autumn.

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