Cornus sessilis, commonly known as Blackfruit Cornel or Blackfruit Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the understory of mixed-evergreen forests, riparian zones, and moist slopes in the Klamath Mountains, Northern Coast Ranges, and the Sierra Nevada foothills of northern California. It typically grows 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in height and 10 to 15 feet (3 to 4.5 meters) in width. The plant features large, ovate to elliptical leaves that are deeply veined and turn a striking reddish-purple in the fall. In spring, it produces inconspicuous greenish-yellow flowers, followed by round, white drupes that mature to a glossy black, providing a source of food for birds.

Blackfruit Cornel is valued for its wildlife appeal, attractive foliage, and adaptability to moist conditions. It is used in naturalized plantings, as a component of riparian restoration projects, and occasionally in residential landscapes for its aesthetic qualities and ease of maintenance. It thrives in partial to full shade, requires regular water, and prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While generally disease-resistant, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0