dogwood winter
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Dogwood Winter" names a spring cold snap that coincides with the blooming of dogwood trees, usually falling during late April or early May. It’s one of several folk "little winters" marking seasonal shifts.
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Hillbilly Dude Says...
Dogwood Winter is another one that's widely known down here. Pronunciation
[DAWG-wood WIN-ter]
Meaning & Usage
- A brief cold spell during dogwood bloom (noun phrase)
Mae:
Feels like winter again!
Feels like winter again!
Earl:
Yep - that’s Dogwood Winter. Happens every spring when the dogwoods bloom.
Yep - that’s Dogwood Winter. Happens every spring when the dogwoods bloom.other spellings: spring cold snap, and one of the "little winters"
★ Dogwood Winter is one of several "little winters" recognized in Southern/Appalachian folk weather lore. Others include Blackberry Winter, Redbud Winter, and Whippoorwill Winter. ★
Origin
Rooted in Southern/Appalachian tradition. Farmers observed a recurring cold snap during dogwood bloom and named it "Dogwood Winter," blending natural observation with seasonal timing.
Notes
Still common in older rural communities, almanacs, and regional forecasts. Rare outside the South except where folk weather terms persist.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "dog-wood winter."