Legend of the Dogwood Tree

The Bible does not tell us what type of wood the cross Jesus was crucified on was made of. Roman history does not go into specifics as to how the crosses were made or what type of wood they were made of. As a result, we cannot know for sure what type of tree was used to make the cross. There is a legend that it was made of dogwood. This is unlikely considering the typical size of a dogwood tree. The legend of the dogwood tree, author unknown, is as follows:



Sweetman and I went for a walk tonight and the dogwood grow all along the road we live on, it stays very hidden all year except in the spring when its blossoms put on a beautiful show. We have several varieties of pink, white, & a very unusual greenish white. I love to see this tree come into bloom and it always brings to mind the legend about this lovely tree. I found this poem on the internet that explains why this tree is so loved.

In Jesus' time, the dogwood grew

To a stately size and a lovely hue.

'Twas strong & firm it's branches interwoven

For the cross of Christ its timbers were chosen.

Seeing the distress at this use of their wood

Christ made a promise which still holds good:

"Never again shall the dogwood grow

Large enough to be used so Slender & twisted, it shall be

With blossoms like the cross for all to see.

As blood stains the petals marked in brown

The blossom's center wears a thorny crown.

All who see it will remember me

Crucified on a cross from the dogwood tree.

Cherished and protected this tree shall be

A reminder to all of my agony."

Again, this is just a "legend." It is a nice poem, but there is no Biblical basis to it.