The decision to make the flowering dogwood the state flower was more than symbolic. It acknowledged the tree's widespread presence and appeal throughout the state, from the mountains to the coast.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – One of the first signs of spring is the blooming of flowering dogwood, a small tree with bright white flowers. But you now may have to look more carefully for this telltale sign ...

Some trees just don’t follow the rules. Case in point, the alternate leaved dogwood. As Purdue Extension forester Lenny ... It also has clusters of small white flowers in the spring.