Plant ID 101- Bark no worse than its bite

For years I've driven down parts of 22 and noticed signs that said "Blue Star" drive. I've always thought it had something to do with the shopping plaza in Watchung. In doing a bit of research on the dogwood, I've also discovered that the dogwood tree is also connected to Blue Star Drive, and its taken on a completely different meaning.

I found this resolution passed by the state of NJ in 1951:

ASSEMBLY CONCURRENT RESOLUTION No. 2

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

Introduced January 15, 1951
By Mrs. DWYER

Referred to Committee on Ways and Means

A Concurrent Resolution providing for the adoption of the
dogwood tree (Cornus Florida) as the New Jersey State
Memorial Tree.

WHEREAS, It is the practice of many patriotic and public-
spirited organizations and the State of New Jersey, and the State
Highway Department , to plant dogwood trees along the border of New
Jersey's Memorial Highway known as the "Blue Star Drive" in honor of
the men and women in our Armed Forces; and

WHEREAS, It is in the public interested and welfare to foster
the widespread use of the dogwood as a memorial tree in our parks,
parkways, monuments, and building sites; therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED by the House of Assembly of the State of New
Jersey (the Senate concurring):

1. That the dogwood tree (Cornus Florida) be and it is hereby
adopted and designated as the New Jersey State Memorial Tree.

The dogwood in bloom right now is the Cornus Florida.
They will flower either pink or white. They are one of the few flowering trees that will tolerate a a fair amount of shade, up to full sun.