Do Dogwood Trees Smell Bad? It’s Not What You Think

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Dogwood trees are a popular ornamental tree native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Also called Majestic Ornamental, they produce attractive white or pink flowers with small red berries.

Many people claim that Dogwood trees smell bad. Beautiful white flowers that stink? Something smells fishy here but good news: it’s not the Dogwood tree!

Introducing the Bradford Pear

Bradford pear trees produce beautiful, five-petaled white flowers similar to those found on Dogwood trees. But although Dogwood trees and Bradford pear trees share many common traits, they are, in fact, different species of plant. (Heads up: the crucial difference is the smell.)

Dogwood Trees vs. Bradford Pear: How to Tell the Difference

Dogwood Tree:  - Leaves - slightly fuzzy surface, hairy undersides – Flower: white blossoms, occasionally pink petals Bradford Pear:  – Leaves: smooth & shiny on both sides – Flower: white blossoms

Causes of Smell

A quick-growing but ‘moody’ plant, Dogwoods can sometimes produce unpleasant scents when unhappy with their growing conditions.

The Importance of Being Fragrant

Dogwood trees rely on insects and birds to reproduce. Scent is an essential tool plants use to attract these pollinators. As such, flowers produce the most aromatic scent when they’re ready for fertilization.

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