Cornus controversa - Wedding Cake Tree

Cornus controversa, also known as the "Wedding Cake Tree" (because of its stepped junction), belongs to the Cornaceae family. This ornamental plant, which originally comes from East Asia, is a widespread, splendid tree that stands out due to its characteristic, strange growth shape. Cornus controversa is particularly valued in the garden design because of its unique structure and decorative leaves. In addition to his aesthetic role in the garden, he contributes to biodiversity by offering insects and birds food and shelter.

Morphology and growth form

Cornus controversa is a diligent tree or large shrub that can reach a height of up to 15 meters in his home country. The structure of this tree is particularly striking: the branches grow horizontally and on floors, which gives the tree a characteristic, tiered silhouette. This appearance is often compared to a wedding cake and gives the plant an extraordinary elegance.

The leaves of the Wedding Cake Tree are oval to Lanzettlich and reach a length of about 6 to 15 centimeters. In spring and summer, the leaves are freshly green, but color in bright yellow and red tones in autumn, which gives the tree another visual attractiveness. The leaves are arranged alternately and therefore have a little less tight compared to other hard bar types.

In May and June, Cornus controversa wears small, cream -white flowers that are arranged in wide umbels and exude a delicate, pleasant fragrance. These flowers are an attraction for numerous insects, especially bees that benefit from their nectar and pollen. After the flowering period, small, spherical, black fruits that are inedible for humans develop, but birds serve as a source of food in late summer and autumn.

Distribution and habitat

Cornus controversa is native to East Asia and occurs in the moderate regions of China, Korea, Japan and in the Himalayan area. In these regions, it grows preferably in light forests and on forest edges. There he thrives on humus -rich, moist and well -permeable soils, preferring to lightly acidic to neutral soil conditions. In Europe and North America, Cornus controversa has been cultivated as an ornamental plant since the 19th century and is now a popular design element in parks and large gardens.

In contrast to other hard drain species, Cornus controversa also tolerates partially shaded locations and shows impressive adaptability to different climatic conditions. However, the plant is sensitive to frost, so that it requires additional protection in areas with extremely cold winters.

Ecological adjustments and meaning

Cornus controversa is a relatively robust plant that is adapted to different soil and climate conditions. However, it requires sufficient moisture and thrives best in a moderate climate. The plant is resistant to most diseases and pests that often occur in other hard bar types, which makes it an easy -care choice for gardens and parks.

The fruits that appear in late summer serve as an important source of food for birds and small mammals. In this way, they contribute to the promotion of biodiversity by offering food and habitat for wild animals. The flowers, on the other hand, attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which underlines the ecological role of the Wedding Cake Tree in its natural habitat.

Cultivation and care

The Wedding Cake Tree are a popular ornamental plant that is characterized by its undemanding care. Cornus controversa best thrives on well -permeable, humus -rich soils that should be irrigated regularly to promote growth. A location in the partial shade is often preferred because the plant dries out faster in full sun.

A wind -protected location is recommended for healthy development, since the horizontally growing branches can be sensitive to strong winds. In the first years after planting, it should be watered regularly to support root growth, especially in dry summer months. An occasional pruning can be carried out, but is usually not necessary due to the natural form of the tree.

Use and cultural meaning

Cornus controversa is estimated in the garden design, as its unique growth form and the autumn leaf coloring make it an eye -catcher. The plant can come into its own both individually as a solitaire plant and in group plantings. In Japan and China, the floors of the Wedding Cake Tree are of cultural importance and is a frequently found element in traditional gardens, where it is considered a symbol of peace and harmony.