Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
The Common Dogwood, Cornus sanguinea, is a species of dogwood native to most of Europe and western Asia.
Useful info about Dogwood trees
| Latin Name | Cornus sanguinea |
| Type | Deciduous (loses its leaves in winter) |
| Height | Can grow up to 5 metres (18 feet) |
| Spread | The branches can spread out to 1 metres (3 feet) |
| Soil Types Preferred | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
| Locations Suitable | Gardens, Hedgerows, Patios |
| Flowers | White flowers in spring |
| Fruit | Black berries in summer |
Description
Common Dogwood is a medium to large deciduous shrub, growing 2–6 metres (7–20 ft) tall, with dark greenish-brown branches and twigs.
The leaves are opposite, 4–8 centimetres (2–3 in) long and 2–4 centimetres (0.8–1.6 in) broad, with an ovate to oblong shape and an entire margin; they are green above, slightly paler below, and rough with short stiff pubescence. The hermaphrodite flowers are small, 5–10 millimetres (0.2–0.4 in) diameter, with four creamy white petals, produced in clusters 3–5 centimetres (1–2 in) diameter, and are insect pollinated. The fruit is a globose black berry 5–8 millimetres (0.2–0.3 in) diameter, containing a single seed. The berries are sometimes called "dogberries"..
Uses
The leaves provide food for some animals, including Lepidoptera such as the case-bearer moth Coleophora anatipennella. Dogberries are eaten by some mammals and many birds and their fruit is often preferred to those grown for human consumption.
Dogwood is therefore often grown in organic gardening and permaculture to prevent harm to orchard crops.
The straight woody shoots produced by the plant can be used as prods, skewers or arrows. The prehistoric archer known as Ötzi the Iceman, discovered in 1991 on the border between Italy and Austria, was carrying arrows made from dogwood.
DISCLAIMER
Any uses for trees or tree extracts, whether edible or medicinal, have not been tried or tested by EFORESTS.
Please take caution and seek proper advice before attempting any recipes or medicinal extracts from any of the trees listed on our site.
Culture and Symbolism
It is believed that the Dogwood tree represents Stability, determination, kindness, devotion, fertility, passion, desire, illusion, and loyalty.
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