Legend of the Dogwood

While at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens on Sunday afternoon, I found a lovely Dogwood Tree. While I was framing my picture for the perfect shot, I overheard two women discussing the legend of this beautiful tree. I’d heard this legend throughout my life.


One lady turned to the other, holding a delicate petal between her fingers, she said, “There is a story about this tree but I can’t remember what it is.” The other woman stood in silence and the first woman continued, “I wish I could remember that story. It has something to do with Easter, I think.”


I turned and smiled at both women, waiting to see if they discussed the matter anymore. They steadily admired the blooms and smiled back at me but said nothing. Finally, I felt the Spirit urge me to speak.
“I know the Legend of the Dogwood, would you like for me to share it with you,” I asked. They both smiled and nodded.

Legend says in Jesus time, the dogwood was a large and mighty tree. The cross on which Jesus was crucified was made from a dogwood tree. After the crucifixion and resurrection, the tree was deeply saddened by playing such a part in the death of Christ. God decreed that the dogwood tree would from that day forth never grow large enough to be used to make a cross.

Thus, the dogwood tree is a small and spindly tree. The flower of the dogwood has four petals which makes the shape of a cross. The center of the flower resembles the crown of thorns with bright red, clustered fruit in the center representing the blood of Christ. The dogwood blooms when Easter is near, marking the resurrection of Christ.

Until next time. :)