Cornus sanguinea aka Common Dogwood

Cornus sanguinea is a shrub in the dogwood family. Gardeners call it bloodtwig dogwood or common dogwood. Its native range spans Europe and parts of western Asia. This includes Britain, Ireland, Lebanon, and the Caucasus. It grows in woods, scrub, and hedges, often on chalky soils. It sheds its leaves each year and has many stems. Its upright branches form a rounded crown and spread outward. Root suckers can build dense thickets over time.

Garden plants often reach 8–15 feet [2.4–4.6 metres] tall and wide. Size estimates differ between sources. RHS lists height and spread at 5–8 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Oregon State gives heights of 10–13 feet [3–4 metres]. Young stems have red bark, which adds winter colour. Older stems lose this bright shade and turn dull green. The slender shoots have hairs. Dark green leaves grow in pairs along the stems. Each leaf is simple, with an oval or egg-like shape. Fine hairs cover both leaf surfaces. In autumn, leaves can turn red or purple.

Small white flowers open from May into early June. They form flat clusters called cymes and have an unpleasant smell. Butterflies visit the flowers for nectar and pollen. Dark purple to black drupes follow the blooms. These small fruits ripen from August to September. Birds visit for the fruit, and the shrub offers nesting sites. The stems, leaves, flowers, and fruit give interest across the seasons. Gardeners use it in borders, hedges, screens, and group plantings.

Grow this dogwood in sun or part shade. It accepts clay, loam, sand, and chalk soils. It also grows in acid, neutral, or alkaline ground. It prefers steady moisture with good drainage. Missouri Botanical Garden rates its water needs as medium. Sources place it in USDA zones 4–7 and RHS class H6. Growth is moderate, and routine care needs are low. Pruning is optional, but new shoots show the strongest colour. Removing older stems in early spring encourages fresh growth. Cutting all stems near ground level every few years also renews them. Spring pruning can reduce the flower crop. Remove unwanted suckers to limit its spread.

Serious pest and disease trouble is uncommon, but problems can occur. Horse chestnut scale, anthracnose, and honey fungus are reported risks. PFAF describes the fruit as nonpoisonous, yet bitter and liable to cause vomiting. Refined seed oil is edible; this does not establish raw seed safety. Leaves may irritate sensitive skin. Reported traditional remedies use bark and leaves as astringents. Bark also has a history of use for fever. Flexible young stems serve for basket work. Other uses include fruit dye, soap oil, tool handles, and charcoal.