Cornus controversa Seeds | Giant Dogwood
LATIN NAME: Cornus controversa
COMMON NAME: Giant Dogwood
Plant Profile
Cornus controversa, commonly known as Giant Dogwood, is a tall, deciduous tree in the dogwood family. It steadily establishes a rounded crown, eventually 5-10 metres tall. Site it in full sun, in deep, fertile ground. The flowers pull in pollinating insects, which quietly widens its usefulness in the garden. Put simply, this is a rewarding species for anyone willing to give it a suitable spot.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Cornus controversa, a representative of the dogwood family with clear practical value. Species has also been studied in ecology for its role in forests of its native range, and its fruits have been studied for their value to birds. Raising it from seed today is a matter of ordinary good practice rather than specialist skill.
Uses & Benefits
Giant Dogwood works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, giant dogwood is a generous tree of garden and the forest. Its white flowers feed bees and other pollinators in early summer, its blue-black fruits feed birds, and its layered branches give shelter and nesting sites, while it is a valuable member of forests of its native range. Its economic value lies mainly in horticulture. A plant that has settled in will get along with only routine care.
Cornelian cherry fruits, Shan Zhu Yu, are a classical Chinese astringent tonic herb and a tart, vitamin-rich fruit for preserves; the genus’s iridoid glycosides, loganin and morroniside, are studied for kidney-protective effects.
Growing from Seed
Raising Giant Dogwood from seed is straightforward. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in full sun with steady moisture. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Among the Cornus group, it is one of the more distinctive species in cultivation. Given full sun and free drainage, it asks for little routine attention.
Related Reading
If Giant Dogwood appeals to you, these related plants are worth a look: