The Dogwood Tree

 They ... led him off

 to be nailed to a cross.

Matthew 27:31

As the legend goes, the dogwood tree was used to make Jesus' cross.  The tree was cursed by Jesus and was made to not grow strong after that.  The flowers make a cross and on the end of each petal are red scars denoting the wounds Jesus bore.  The center appears to be a crown of thorns like the one Jesus wore at his death.  The story is a legend but every year when I see the Dogwood Tree, it reminds me of the suffering of my Lord...a beautiful reminder of a not so beautiful event.

Read one person's account of the legend HERE.

Photo from my personal files.