Common Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
The Common Dogwood is a thicketty large shrub growing to 1-5(8)m tall and 2-4m wide. The young branches are blood-red in colour. Bears small creamy white umbels with a pungent smell. Pea-sized, inedible black fruits ripen in September.
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Appearance
The Common Dogwood is a thicketty large shrub growing to 1-5(8)m tall and 2-4m wide. The young branches are blood-red in colour. Bears small creamy white umbels with a pungent smell. Pea-sized, inedible black fruits ripen in September.
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Autumn
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Leaves
Elliptical, 5-12cm long, 3-8cm wide, leaf stem 1-3cm long. Leaves are dark green above and blue-green below, decoratively turning a wine-red to orange-yellow colour in autumn.
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Leaf upperside
Elliptical, 5-12cm long, 3-8cm wide, leaf stem 1-3cm long. Leaves are dark green above and blue-green below, decoratively turning a wine-red to orange-yellow colour in autumn.
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Flowers
Flowering period V-VI, small modest, creamy-white umbels with a pungent smell.
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Fruits
Black, inedible pea-sized berries on red stems, approx. 0.8cm in diameter. Smooth stone, very woody.
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Bark
Pale grey or grey-green bark. Young branches are blood-red, especially in early spring.
Poisonousness
The bark, roots and leaves are mildly toxic. Consumption of larger quantities of leaves, roots or bark may lead to discomfort with nausea and vomiting. Although the red fruit is not toxic it is inedible. Cooked fruit can be made into jam or fruit juice.
Application
Afforestation, open fields, pioneer tree, tip afforestation, stabilization of shores, bird protection, forage for honey-bees, parks, urban areas, roadside verges, car parks, pedestrian precincts, backyards, container plants, gardens, front gardens
Native regions
Central Europe
Location parameters
Light: sunny to semi-shady, temperature: warm to cool, soil: fresh, stagnant moisture: to be avoided, soil structure: normal to loose, soil depth: medium, compaction: resistant, soil quality: low to medium, pH value: 6.0 to 8.0
Demands
Very robust, fully hardy and extremely adaptable shrub, thrives in almost all locations; avoids strongly acid, lean sandy soils; resistant to urban climates, virtually intolerant of salt; resistant to wind
Growth
Height of growth: 1m to 5m, spread: 2m to 4m, growth habits: wide, dense, upright, pendent, suckering
Leaves
Elliptical, 5-12cm long, 3-8cm wide, leaf stem 1-3cm long. Leaves are dark green above and blue-green below, decoratively turning a wine-red to orange-yellow colour in autumn.
Flowers
Flowering period V-VI, small modest, creamy-white umbels with a pungent smell.
Fruits
Black, inedible pea-sized berries on red stems, approx. 0.8cm in diameter. Smooth stone, very woody.
Bark
Pale grey or grey-green bark. Young branches are blood-red, especially in early spring.
Roots
Intensive heart-rooter with a tendency to produce up to 50 suckers per square metre