Dogwood Cornus sanguinea

Names

• Synonyms

  Common Dogwood, Bloodtwig Dogwood, European Dogwood, Dogberry, Hound's Tree.

• Common names

  Swida sanguinea, Thelycrania sanguinea, Cornus mascula.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The plant commonly known as Bloodtwig dogwood is not known to be highly toxic to humans. However, the consumption of any part of the plant, particularly the fruit, can potentially cause minor symptoms such as stomach discomfort or nausea. It's always important to exercise caution and avoid eating plants not known to be edible or those you're not familiar with to prevent any adverse reactions.

• To pets

  Bloodtwig dogwood is not commonly known as a toxic plant to pets. While it is not considered highly poisonous, ingestion of the plant parts, especially the berries, could cause mild gastrointestinal upset in animals such as dogs and cats. Symptoms might include vomiting or diarrhea. As with any non-food plant material, pets should be dissuaded from eating Bloodtwig dogwood to prevent any potential discomfort or symptoms that could arise from ingestion.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  10 feet (3 meters)

• Spread

  8 feet (2.4 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  4

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Wildlife Habitat: Cornus sanguinea, commonly known as dogwood, provides shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
• Ornamental Value: With its striking red stems in the winter and white flowers in spring, dogwood adds aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.
• Erosion Control: The root system of dogwood helps stabilize soil and prevent erosion on slopes or banks.
• Seasonal Interest: Dogwood offers year-round interest with spring blossoms, summer berries, autumn foliage, and vibrant winter stems.
• Food Source for Wildlife: The berries produced by dogwood are a source of food for birds and small mammals during autumn and winter months.
• Pollinator Support: The flowers of dogwood provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators during the blooming season.
• Habitat Diversity: Planting dogwood contributes to the diversity of plant species in an area, supporting a healthier ecosystem.

Medical Properties

• Anti-inflammatory: Cornus sanguinea has been traditionally used for its potential anti-inflammatory effects.
• Antipyretic: The plant has been used to reduce fever in folk medicine.
• Antioxidant: Compounds in Cornus sanguinea may exhibit antioxidant properties.
• Diuretic: There is a traditional use of the plant as a diuretic, promoting the excretion of urine.
• Antimicrobial: Some studies suggest that extracts from the plant may have antimicrobial activity against certain pathogens.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Cornus sanguinea, commonly known as dogwood, has been historically used for creating inks, due to its bark containing tannin that can produce a range of colors from yellow to deep black.
• The wood of dogwood is extremely hard and has been traditionally used for tool handles, including hammers and other impact tools, due to its ability to absorb shocks without splintering.
• Dogwood branches are flexible and can be used in basket weaving, offering durability and a unique appearance to handmade baskets and crafts.
• In rural communities, dogwood twigs have been used as toothbrushes, where the fibrous ends act like bristles to clean teeth and stimulate gums.
• The dense wood of dogwood is suited for woodturning and has been crafted into small decorative items such as goblets, bowls, and figurines.
• Due to its dense grain, dogwood wood is an excellent choice for making musical instruments such as woodwind bodies and piano keys.
• Artisans have used dogwood wood for detailed carving works including ornamental designs and intricate sculptures, taking advantage of its fine-grained texture.
• Dogwood can be utilized in charcoal production, providing a high-quality charcoal for artists' drawing materials.
• Some cultures have used the bright red branches of dogwood in landscape design, especially in the winter months when the color provides visual interest against snow-covered backgrounds.
• Young dogwood shoots have been fashioned into walking sticks and canes, prized for their straightness and strength.

Feng Shui

The plant Cornus sanguinea, commonly known as Dogwood, is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Dogwood is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Vitality: The Cornus sanguinea, commonly known as the Bloodtwig Dogwood, often has vibrant red stems that signify life and energy, representing the vigorous life force and vitality present in nature.
• Protection: In folklore, dogwood trees are sometimes associated with protection and safety, believed to guard against negative energies and provide a sacred space.
• Stability and Resilience: Bloodtwig Dogwoods have a strong root system and a sturdy structure, symbolizing a person's ability to stand firm and resilient in the face of difficulties.