This is a small tree that grows from 30 to 50 feet in height, in all parts of the United States. It flowers in the month of May, and farmers in the Middle States and fishermen will tell you, when the dogwood is in bloom then is the time to plant corn and catch fish. The bark is the medical part of the tree.

Medical properties and uses. -- Dogwood has similar properties to Peruvian bark, and before the latter came into use it was used in its stead. It is a tonic and an astringent. It slightly increases the force and frequency of the action of the heart, and when taken freely produces general warmth of the body. It is good in low continued forms of fever, where the patient is greatly exhausted. Prepare as directions for preparing wild cherry bark. Dose, the same. Gather the bark from the sunny side of the tree. The inner bark is the part used.