Cornus officinalis

Cornus officinalis is an early-blooming dogwood species native to China, valued for its clusters of small yellow flowers that appear in late winter to early spring before the leaves emerge. It forms a rounded to spreading small tree with exfoliating bark that adds interest as the plant matures. This species performs best in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and grows at a moderate rate. Hardy in USDA Zones 4–8, it typically reaches 15–25 feet tall and wide and is an excellent alternative to flowering dogwood for four-season appeal.