The true flower is the small green center. It is surrounded by 4 white, petal-like, 2 inch long bracts that are notched at the ends. These white bracts are commonly mistaken for the actual flowers.
Stems: Tree
Eastern Redbud
Clusters of pink to red or purple pea-shaped flowers blooming before the leaves. Flowers grow right on the stems of new and old branches.
Elderberry
Dense clusters of small white flowers.
Fringe Tree
Fragrant flower clusters with creamy white fringe-like petals. The male flowers have longer petals than the female flowers.
Kousa Dogwood
The true flower is the small green center. It is surrounded by 4 white, petal-like, 2-3 inch long bracts that are pointed at the ends. These white bracts are commonly mistaken for the actual flowers. Flowers bloom after the leaves emerge, while flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) flowers before the leaves.
Mimosa Tree
Tree with fern-like leaves and clusters of pink, fluffy, powder puff flowers.
Rusty Blackhaw
Clusters of tiny, white, 5 petaled flowers. The leaves have red hairs underneath, and have red stems.
Sourwood Tree
White, bell-shaped flowers on a slender, 4-8 inch long panicle.
Star Magnolia
Fragrant, white, star-shaped flowers with 12-18 petals. The flowers bloom before the leaves emerge.