By Alice Soewito

dogwood (cornus florida)

Location: Comstock Knoll

The knoll is bursting with dogwoods! These four-season trees have beautiful white blooms that are beautiful to observe in the evening. They are both beautiful and important to humans. Dogwoods are significant to Native Americans, representing good luck. The plant also was a popular food item in Northwestern tribes. Early Native Americans used dogwood for medicinal purposes. Other sub-species, such as the Jamaican Dogwood, aided in fishing—it was used in water to stun fish.