Overrated for ease, underrated for beauty — Dogwood

People describe Dogwood as easy and I'd push back on that slightly. keeping a mulch-free collar immediately around the trunk needs consistent attention and honey fungus affecting roots especially on stressed trees can undermine progress quickly if ignored.

Where Dogwood is genuinely underrated is the beauty. canopy habitat for birds, insects, and wildlife is extraordinary when you see it in person. I display it in a boundary or avenue planting in a larger space and it gets comments from everyone who sees it. full canopy providing shade and habitat in summer is the time to really understand what this plant offers. Not for the truly neglectful gardener, but absolutely worth the attention it requires.