Cornus chinensis

Cornus chinensis is a deciduous member of the dogwood family, Cornaceae. It grows as a shrub or tree in temperate Asia. Its native range spans Tibet and central and southern China. In the wild, it grows on slopes and beside mixed forests. It also grows within dense forests. Most records place it between 2,300 and 8,200 feet [700–2,500 metres]. Some sites reach about 11,500 feet [3,500 metres]. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Plants For A Future gives its height as 33 feet [10 metres]. The evidence gives no mature spread or detailed crown shape. This tree loses its leaves for winter. Its flowers appear from February to March, and insects pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female organs. Seeds ripen in September. One young tree at Kew had not yet flowered at about ten years old. At that age, it stood roughly 6.6 feet [2 metres] tall.

This species suits a woodland garden canopy or a lower tree layer. Plants For A Future describes it as easy to grow. It accepts sandy soil, loam, and clay, including heavy clay. Soil of moderate or good fertility supports growth. It tolerates acid, neutral, and alkaline ground, including shallow chalk. It prefers moist soil and partial shade. It can also grow in full sun. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 7–10. Its cold tolerance remains less clear than that range suggests. The same source recommends mild sites with winters above about 23°F [−5°C]. Yet its Kew specimen had survived colder weather.

Fresh seed offers one way to raise new plants. Remove the fruit flesh first, since it contains substances that hinder germination. Sow ripe seed in a cold frame or outdoor seedbed. Stored seed needs three to four months of cold treatment. It may take eighteen months or longer to sprout. Young seedlings from cold frames need greenhouse shelter for their first winter.

Plants For A Future lists the fruit as edible. However, its detailed food notes refer to Cornus officinalis, not this species. Those notes do not establish this fruit’s taste or food preparation. The source also records medicinal use of this species’ fruit. That record does not establish safe doses or prove health benefits. It reports no known hazards, but gives no specific human or pet safety assessment.