Dogwood (disambiguation) facts for kids
Dogwood is a common name for certain trees and shrubs. The most well-known "dogwood" plants belong to a group of trees and shrubs called Cornus. These are often found in cooler parts of the world, like the Northern Hemisphere.
But "Dogwood" can be a bit confusing because it's also used as a common name for many other plants, places, and even other things!
Different Plants Called Dogwood
It might surprise you, but many different kinds of plants are called "Dogwood," even if they aren't related to the Cornus trees. This often happens because they might have similar-looking flowers, bark, or wood, or maybe they were used for similar purposes long ago.
Here are a few examples of other plants that share the "Dogwood" name:
- Acacia coriacea: This plant is a type of Acacia tree found in northern Australia.
- Cassinia aculeata: This is a shrub from the Asteraceae family, which includes daisies. It grows in southeastern Australia.
- Eremophila longifolia: Another Australian plant, this one is a shrub or small tree that can be found all over the country.
- Piscidia piscipula: This tree is known as Jamaican dogwood and grows in the Caribbean.
- Solanum dulcamara: This is a vine found in Europe and Asia. It's part of the Solanaceae family, which also includes potatoes and tomatoes!
Places Named Dogwood
Many places around the world have been named "Dogwood," often because of the dogwood trees that grow there.
In the United States
- Dogwood, Indiana: A small community in the state of Indiana.
- Dogwood, Kentucky (disambiguation): There are several places in Kentucky with this name.
- Dogwood, Douglas County, Missouri: Another community, located in Missouri.
Elsewhere
- Dogwood Creek (disambiguation): This name is used for several different creeks.
- Dogwood Point: This is the southernmost tip of the island nation of Saint Kitts and Nevis.
Other Things Called Dogwood
The name "Dogwood" isn't just for plants and places! It's also used for other interesting things:
- USCGC Dogwood (WAGL-259): This was a ship used by the United States Coast Guard. It was a "river tender," meaning it helped maintain rivers.
- Dogwood (band): This is the name of a Christian punk band. They even released an album called Dogwood in 1998.
- British Columbia Certificate of Graduation: In British Columbia, Canada, a high school graduation diploma is sometimes called a "Dogwood Diploma."
