Cornus oblonga

Cornus oblonga is an evergreen dogwood in the Cornaceae family. It grows as a shrub or tree. Its native range runs from Pakistan to south-central China and northern Indochina. Records also place it in Bhutan, India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. Common names include oblong-leaved dogwood and oblong-petal dogwood. Swida oblonga is a synonym.

This species reaches about 20 feet [6 metres] in height. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. In the wild, it grows in forests and thickets. These include evergreen woods and woods with both evergreen and deciduous trees. Its habitats lie at 2,625–12,139 feet [800–3,700 metres] above sea level. In gardens, it suits woodland edges and sites with dappled shade.

Flowers appear from September to November, according to Plants For A Future. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers. Seeds ripen from March to April. The black fruit has an ellipsoid shape. Each fruit holds one large seed beneath a thin flesh layer. It measures about 0.013–0.020 feet [0.004–0.006 metres] long. Its width is about 0.020–0.023 feet [0.006–0.007 metres].

Plants For A Future describes this dogwood as easy to grow. It accepts soils with moderate or good fertility. It grows in sand, loam, and heavy clay. Its soil tolerance spans mildly acid ground to very alkaline conditions, including shallow chalk. It prefers moist soil and partial shade. It can also grow in full sun or light shade. Cold limits its use in Britain. The source gives a minimum near 23°F [−5°C] and USDA zones 8–11.

The fruit yields oil for industrial use. The bark contains essential oils and tannins. Folk medicine uses the bark for arthritis and injuries. These records do not establish safety or medical benefit. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards. It also reports no specific evidence that people can eat the fruit. Fresh seed is best sown soon after ripening. Remove the flesh first, since it contains substances that hinder germination. Stored seed needs three to four months of cold treatment. It may take 18 months or longer to sprout.