According to legend, the dogwood once grew as a tall, straight tree, but when the dogwood was used to make the cross, the Lord Jesus was so moved that He promised the tree would never again grow large enough to be used for such a purpose. Also, according to legend, it is said that the leaves of the dogwood flower resemble the cross and bear nail marks of the crucifixion. The red leaves in fall have been associated with the savior’s blood on Calvary.”

First of all, let me point out the dangers involved when we follow such legends and give them credence as if the Lord wants us to acknowledge their importance in regard to the crucifixion of the Lord.  This can become a distraction and draw us away from the importance of the cross and the One who hung upon the cross for our salvation.

It may surprise you to know that dogwood trees are not native to Israel. While the country does have a large variety of trees, shrubs, and other plants, dogwood trees are not among them.  Dogwood trees are native to North America, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. While they have been cultivated in other parts of the world, including parts of Asia and Europe, they are not native to Israel.  This, in itself, should show us that the rest of the legend, including the cursing of the tree, is simply not true.  Since the dogwood tree is not mentioned in the Bible, there is no merit to assigning stories around it.  We simply do not know what type of tree was used to fashion the cross the Lord died on. 

While we do not know what type of tree was used in the making of the cross, we do know what happened on the cross of Christ.

  • John 19:17-18, “And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha: Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.”
  • Ephesians 2:15-16, “Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby.” 
  • Colossians 1:20, “And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.”
  • Colossians 2:14, “Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.”
  • Hebrews 12:2, “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” 
  • 1 Peter 2:24, “Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.”

These, and many other verses, teach us that the Lord Jesus Christ willingly died on the cross on Calvary to save us from our sins.  In His dying, He died for all that all might be saved. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).  Let’s not be concerned by what type of tree it was, but keep our focus on the man who died on that tree…the very Son of God, who loved us and gave Himself for us. (Galatians 2:20). 

Have you put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for your salvation?  The Lord wants to save you.  2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, NOT WILLING THAT ANY SHOULD PERISH, but that all should come to repentance.”  Although the Bible does not speak about a curse upon the dogwood tree, it does speak about a curse upon those who reject the Lord Jesus as savior and Lord.  John 3:18 says, “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.”  If you have never accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, I plead with you to receive Him today, before it is eternally too late.  Romans 10:9 assures us, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”  (CC)  (587.2)