Red Twig Dogwood Cornus 'Ascona'

Names

• Family

  Cornaceae

• Synonyms

  Ascona Dogwood

• Common names

  Cornus 'Ascona'

Toxicity

• To humans

  Cornus 'Ascona', commonly known as dogwood, is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, eating large quantities of the tree parts, particularly the fruit, might cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal upset, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

• To pets

  Dogwood, the common name for Cornus 'Ascona', is not typically toxic to pets. However, ingesting large amounts of the wood or leaves might lead to gastrointestinal discomfort in some animals, presenting with symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to discourage pets from chewing on any non-food plants.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Varies

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)

• Spread

  6-8 feet (1.8-2.4 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  5

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Attractive Flowers: Cornus 'Ascona' produces star-shaped blossoms that add a decorative touch to gardens.
• Seasonal Interest: With a variety of seasonal changes, it offers year-round interest from spring flowers to colorful fall foliage and sometimes winter berries.
• Ease of Cultivation: It is relatively easy to grow in a range of soil types and is tolerant of different soil conditions.
• Wildlife Attraction: The flowers, fruits, and foliage attract birds and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, it can be quite drought tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
• Landscape Versatility: It works well in different landscape designs, from specimen planting to foundation plantings, and can be used in mixed borders or as a focal point.
• Low Maintenance: Generally, it requires minimal pruning and care once established in the landscape.
• Shade Tolerance: It can grow in full sun to part shade, offering flexibility in garden design and planting location.
• Foliage: Offers attractive foliage which can come in green, variegated, or other colors depending on the variety.

Medical Properties

This plant is not used for medical purposes.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Cornus 'Ascona', commonly known as the Red Twig Dogwood, can be utilized in basket weaving due to its flexible branches which can be easily manipulated into various shapes.
• The Red Twig Dogwood's wood can be used to make small handcrafted items like tool handles, knitting needles, or crochet hooks as it is quite sturdy once dried.
• The colorful red branches of the Red Twig Dogwood are often used in floral arrangements or as standalone decorations during the winter, adding vibrancy to otherwise stark settings.
• In a wildlife garden, the Red Twig Dogwood can serve as a habitat plant, offering shelter and nesting sites for birds and small mammals.
• The spreading roots of the Red Twig Dogwood help with erosion control on slopes or riverbanks, stabilizing soil and preventing sediment runoff.
• Planting Red Twig Dogwood in a rain garden can assist with water management, as its roots help absorb excess runoff and mitigate flooding.
• During the fall, the Red Twig Dogwood's leaves can be collected and used to create natural mulch for garden beds, providing nutrients as they decompose.
• The high contrast between the Red Twig Dogwood's red stems and green leaves can be used in the art world, for instance as a natural stencil or pattern for fabric design.
• The tree is often used in educational settings as an example of a native plant species to teach about local biodiversity and the importance of native landscaping for ecosystem health.
• Red Twig Dogwood can act as a natural snow fence in colder regions, with its dense branching pattern slowing down and capturing drifting snow.

Feng Shui

The Dogwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Dogwood is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Stability and Endurance: Cornus, commonly known as Dogwood, has a reputation for strong wood and resilient blossoms, symbolizing one's ability to withstand various challenges in life.
• Purity and Innocence: The Dogwood's often white and vibrant flowers are associated with these virtues, reflecting the plant's clean and simple beauty.
• Christian Symbolism: In Christian symbolism, the Dogwood is thought to represent the crucifixion of Jesus, with its flower petals shaped like a cross and the rusty indentations on the edges believed to signify the crucifixion nails.
• Renewal and Resurrection: Blooming in early spring, Dogwoods signify rebirth and the resurrection of nature, similar to Easter traditions in Christian contexts.
• Affection and Sympathy: Giving Dogwood flowers is often a sign of affection or sympathy, expressing love and comfort to the recipients.