Family: Cornaceae — dogwood family

Dogwoods are trees, shrubs, or, infrequently, herbs. They have simple leaves that are entire and usually arranged opposite each other. The small flowers are grouped together in an inflorescence that in some species is surrounded by 4 large, white, petal-like bracts. The flowers are actinomorphic (radially symmetrical), 4- to 8-merous (usually 4), with petals and sepals attaching above the ovary (i.e., the ovary is inferior). There are 4-15 stamens (usually 4). The fruit is a fleshy, single-seeded drupe. Species formerly included in the Nyssaceae are now placed in the Cornaceae.

This family’s genera in New England

• Benthamidia
• Chamaepericlymenum
• Nyssa
• Swida

Visit this family in the Dichotomous Key

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