Cornus capitata aka Bentham's Cornel

Cornus capitata is known as evergreen dogwood or Himalayan strawberry tree. It belongs to the dogwood family, Cornaceae. Its native range includes the Himalayas, China, and northern Myanmar. It also grows in Bhutan, India, and Nepal. Wild plants grow in mountain forests, scrub, and moist hillsides. The plant forms a spreading, bushy tree or large shrub. Garden trees reach 20–40 feet [6–12.2 metres] tall. Some reach 50 feet [15 metres]. Spread can reach 26 feet [8 metres], though some trees grow wider.

The branches spread sideways beneath brown or dark grey bark. Leaves grow in opposite pairs and have oval or lance-shaped blades. Their upper sides are dark green; their undersides are grey-green. Fine hairs cover the undersides. Leaves can feel leathery and rough, though their thickness varies. Older leaves may turn red or purple in autumn. They can remain until spring, then fall as new leaves grow. Cold winters may strip the foliage, so evergreen cover is not assured.

Flowers appear in June and July. Small true flowers form tight heads at the branch tips. Four to six large bracts surround each head. These leaf-like parts provide most of the floral display. Their shades range from cream-white to pale yellow. Round, fleshy fruits follow, turning from green to crimson. Each measures about an inch across and looks like a strawberry. Seed-grown trees may take eight to ten years to flower. Fallen fruit can create litter beneath the crown.

Grow this dogwood in sun or partial shade. It needs fertile soil rich in humus, with good drainage. Acid or neutral soil suits it, with steady, moderate moisture. RHS lists clay, loam, and sand as suitable soil types. Missouri Botanical Garden favours sheltered western coastal sites. It reports poor growth where summers are hot and humid. The tree suits USDA zones 8–9 and has RHS hardiness H5. Use it alone, in small groups, or within woodland borders. Keep pruning light. Scale, dogwood anthracnose, and honey fungus may occur.

The fruit can be eaten raw, cooked, or made into preserves. Taste varies between trees; some fruits have strong bitterness. The skin is tough, and the flesh holds several seeds. Cold weather can stop late fruit from ripening well. PFAF lists no known hazards, but gives no detailed safety assessment. It records medicinal bark use as an astringent. Branches and leaves supply tannin. The hard wood serves as fuel and for tools.