Cornus mas aka Dogwood

Taxonomy

Cornus mas, also known as cornel or the Cornelian cherry, is a shrub or small tree in the dogwood family. It is native to Western Europe, Southern Europe, and Southwestern Asia. This slow-growing plant can reach up to 5m in height and has glossy green, elliptic leaves that grow opposite each other. In the spring, it produces an abundance of small yellow blooms, followed by large, orange-red edible fruits that are rich in vitamin C and perfect for making jellies and jams. The Cornelian cherry dogwood is a multi-stemmed deciduous shrub, often trained to be a small tree. It has a round or oval shape and features 2 to 4-inch long green foliage arranged in an opposite pattern. This shrub is an early bloomer, with yellow flowers appearing in winter or early spring before the leaves. The clusters of flowers resemble forsythia, and the red stone fruits that ripen in July have a similar size and shape to olives. These fruits are used in various European cuisines for drinks, syrups, preserves, jams, and sauces. They can be enjoyed fresh or dried, but they need to be fully ripe to reduce their bitterness. The leaves of the cornelian cherry dogwood may turn reddish-purple in the fall, and the peeling brown bark adds interest to the plant throughout the year. It is a fairly slow-growing species, taking up to 10 years to reach a height of 15 feet, and is typically planted in the spring.

Common names

Dogwood, Cornelian Cherry, Sorbet

How to care for Dogwood

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Dogwood is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Dogwood should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dogwood requires special care to keep it thriving. Its sensitivity to dry soil means that you need to be especially careful when it comes to selecting the right potting soil. Look for a soil that will retain moisture, but is also well-draining. A good potting soil should have plenty of organic material, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss, which will help to keep the soil moist and provide extra nutrition for your plant. When planting your Sorbet, make sure to mix the soil with some compost or manure to give it an extra boost of nutrients. Additionally, you should water your plant often to ensure that the soil remains moist. With the right care and attention, your Dogwood will bloom beautifully in your home.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Dogwood prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Dogwood plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Dogwood is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Dogwood’s native range is Europe. Naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia