Cornus sanguinea Seeds | Dogwood
LATIN NAME: Cornus sanguinea
COMMON NAME: Dogwood, Bloodtwig Dogwood, Common Dogwood
Plant Profile
Cornus sanguinea, better known as Dogwood, is a deciduous shrub in the dogwood family, native to hedgerows and woodland edges of Europe and the western Asia, while it has been cultivated in gardens for its winter stems. At maturity it stands about Four metres. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. Gardeners value it precisely for this blend of qualities.
Science & Biotechnology
Cornus sanguinea sits in the dogwood family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Bloodtwig dogwood has a real and distinguished place in research. It is the kind of species that plant scientists reach for when they need reliable material for propagation and selection studies.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Dogwood has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Bloodtwig dogwood is a deciduous shrub of hedgerows and woodland edges, bearing small, white flowers in flat clusters in spring and black berries in the autumn. To raise bloodtwig dogwood, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little shrubs on in the light. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
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
Sow fresh seed of Dogwood under ordinary good conditions. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. A spell of cool, moist conditions ahead of sowing brings the seed along nicely and supports even germination. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Dogwood, Bloodtwig Dogwood, Common Dogwood is the kind of plant that rewards a permanent spot. Being a deciduous shrub, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Give the seed freshness and steady moisture, and nature handles the rest.
Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Dogwood often pair it with these related subjects: