CORNUS
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CORNUS
Commonly known as American boxwood, Flowering dogwood
Genus of about 60 species of mainly deciduous shrubs and small trees from grasslands, thickets, woodland, rocky slopes and swamps mainly in northern temperate areas.
Grown for their showy bracts, elegant habit, fruits and colourful autumn leaves.
The species have been used as food and medicine and in manufacture of small implements and cutting boards. The wood is beautiful, fine-grained and hard.
The "dogwood' name might have come from the "dags" (daggers, skewers and arrows) made from the slender stems. Fruits were known as "dogberries".
Two species are represented in the UK. C. mas is a widely found introduction, C sanguinea, a native, extending particularly on chalk as far north as the Midlands.
Full Plant Details - Sun/Soil & other attributes
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Pests & Diseases
Anthracnose -
Place of origin
Eastern North America -
DeciduousBroadly oval to ovate, sometimes slightly twisted, leaves to 15cm (6in) long.
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White
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Fully hardy
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Entire
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Ovate
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Height
6m (20ft) -
Spread
8m (26ft)
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Tall ShrubOr small tree. Produces flower heads to 1.5cm (½in) across surrounded by overlapping bracts 6cm (2½in) long. Inedible red berries in loose clusters are produced in autumnin autumn.
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Pruning group 1
Suitable for: Deciduous and evergreen trees, and some deciduous shrubs.
Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Prune wayward or crossing branches to maintain a healthy framework.
When: When dormant in the late winter/early spring. Some in the summer/autumn to prevent bleeding of sap.
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Hardy - cold winter
Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters. May not withstand open/exposed sites or central/northern locations. Plant can withstand temperatures down to -15°C (5°F) -
Autumn Seasonal Interest
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Summer Seasonal Interest
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Fertile well drained soilHumus-rich
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Neutral to acid soil
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Full sun
Shelter from cold winds -
Partial shade
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Broadly conical
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Mature Size6m (20ft)
8m (26ft)
View Planting Tips and Care Advice
Cornus (Flowering) - Growing Guide
Cornus Coloured Stemmed Dogswoods - Growing Guide
