RUTH ELLEN is a hybrid dogwood (Cornus florida x Cornus kousa). It is noted for its vigorous habit, large-bracted flowers, profuse bloom and resistance to anthracnose and dogwood borer. It is a small deciduous tree with a dense, low-branching, spreading habit. It is wider than tall, typically maturing to 12-18′ tall spreading to 24′ wide. Flowers bloom in spring. The true dogwood flowers are actually tiny, yellowish green and insignificant, being compacted into button-like clusters. However, each flower cluster is surrounded by four showy, petal-like, white bracts which open flat, giving the appearance of a single, large, 3-4″ diameter, 4-petaled, white flower. Floral bracts on this cultivar are well spaced (not overlapping). Oval to elliptic, dark green leaves (4-5″ long) turn attractive shades of purple in fall. RUTH ELLEN is sterile and does not produce fruit.