Blood Twig Dogwood
(Cornus sanguinea)
Blood Twig Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea)
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Didier Descouens
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Didier Descouens
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Didier Descouens | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Archaeodontosaurus | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: (MHNT)_Cornus_sanguinea_-_Inflorescence.jpg | Notes: {{Information |description={{en|common dogwood (''Cornus sanguinea'')}} |date=2021-06-16 |source=https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/137087990 |author=[https://www.inaturalist.org/users/3301501 Vasyliuk Oleksij] |permission= |other ver
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cornus sanguinea, commonly known as Blood Twig Dogwood, is a medium to large deciduous shrub native to a variety of habitats across Europe, including open woodlands, forest edges, and along riverbanks. It typically grows to a height of 2–6 meters (7–20 ft) and is known for its dark greenish-brown branches and twigs, which can turn an attractive red or purple in winter, adding seasonal interest. The shrub produces small, hermaphroditic flowers with four creamy white petals, which are 5–10 millimeters (0.2–0.4 in) in diameter. These flowers form in clusters 3–5 centimeters (1–2 in) across and are insect-pollinated, blooming in late spring to early summer. The fruit is a globose black berry, 5–8 millimeters (0.2–0.3 in) in diameter, containing a single seed, and is sometimes referred to as "dogberries."
Blood Twig Dogwood is valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly its striking winter twig coloration, and is often used in border plantings, urban gardens, and as a naturalistic hedge. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring light, often alkaline soils, and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While it prefers moderate warmth, it is adaptable and can grow in cooler climates. It is important to note that the plant can spread quite vigorously, potentially becoming invasive in some areas. To prevent this, gardeners may need to manage its growth through pruning and by selecting appropriate planting locations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Blood Twig Dogwood is valued for its ornamental qualities, particularly its striking winter twig coloration, and is often used in border plantings, urban gardens, and as a naturalistic hedge. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring light, often alkaline soils, and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While it prefers moderate warmth, it is adaptable and can grow in cooler climates. It is important to note that the plant can spread quite vigorously, potentially becoming invasive in some areas. To prevent this, gardeners may need to manage its growth through pruning and by selecting appropriate planting locations.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 8-15 feet
- Width: 8-15 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, and riverbanks
Other Names
Common Names: European Dogwood, Common Dogwood, Pegwood, Red Dogwood, Dogberry, Dogwood, Blood-Twig Dogwood, Bloodtwig Dogwood, Rød Kornel, Roter Hartriegel
Scientific Names: , Cornus sanguinea, Swida sanguinea, Thelycrania sanguinea, Cornus sanguinea subsp. czerniaewii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Cornus sanguinea L.