Cornus alba - Red barked dogwood

Cornus alba, generally known as red barked dogwood, is a deciduous shrub from the family of hard barns (Cornaceae). The species is native to North Asia, including Siberia, China and Korea, and is cultivated in moderate regions worldwide due to its aesthetic properties and robustness.

Morphology and appearance

Cornus alba grows as a medium -sized shrub and reaches a height of 2 to 3 meters, occasionally up to 4 meters. It is characterized by its upright to slightly overhanging shoots, which depending on the variety have a striking color, often in strong red or dark purple. This property makes the plant attractive, especially in winter, when the bright cattle elements are visible without leaves.

The leaves are arranged, elliptical to wide oval and measure 5 to 10 centimeters in length. Your top is green, while the underside is slightly gray -blue. In autumn, the leaves accepted a spectacular color that ranges from bright red to purple.

Cornus alba blooms in late spring to early summer, typically between May and June. The flowers are small, cream white and arranged in flat dolders that reach a diameter of about 5 centimeters. After the pollination, which is mainly done by insects, spherical, white to bluish-white stone fruits with a diameter of around 5 to 7 millimeters develop.

Distribution and habitat

The species prefers moist to wet locations, such as those found in river valleys, bogs and damp forests. It thrives on a variety of soil types, from sandy to loamy substrates, and is tolerant of both slightly acidic and alkaline pH values. Due to its adaptability and frost resistance, Cornus alba is particularly common in cooler climate zones.

Cornus alba occurs both in wild stocks and in cultivated forms. Popular decorations such as 'Sibirica' or 'Elegantissima' are often planted in gardens and public green areas because of their striking bark color or their panicked leaves.

Ecological importance

Cornus alba plays an important role in his natural habitat. The flowers are a valuable source of food for pollinators such as bees, butterflies and other insects. The fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals, which at the same time contribute to the spread of the seeds.

The dense branch and the strong root plant make Cornus alba an effective ground cover and erosion protection, especially in bank areas and slopes. The plant also offers protection and habitat for numerous animal species, including nesting places for birds.

Use and meaning

Cornus alba is primarily valued as an ornamental plant. It is often used in gardens, parks and landscape designs, especially as a structural element in hedges or as a solitaire treble, which accents sets through its autumn color and winter bark color.

In addition to its aesthetic use, the plant also has practical functions. Their robust root work is used to stabilize embankments and to renaturate wetlands. The branches have been used in basket braiding in the past, albeit to a lesser extent than that of other hard bars.

Cornus alba also has a certain ethnobotanic meaning. In traditional medicine, parts of the plant, such as the bark or leaves, were used in different cultures against slight inflammation or skin irritation. Even if their modern medical importance is limited, the way remains an important part of natural gardens and sustainable greening strategies.