Tatarian Dogwood Cornus alba Ivory Halo = 'Bailhalo' (PBR)

Names

• Synonyms

  Ivory Halo Dogwood, White Gold Dogwood, Tatarian Dogwood Ivory Halo, Variegated Red Twig Dogwood.

• Common names

  Cornus alba 'Bailhalo'.

Toxicity

• To humans

  The Cornus alba 'Ivory Halo', commonly known as Tatarian Dogwood, is not generally considered toxic to humans. However, as with many ornamental plants, it is not intended for human consumption. Ingesting parts of the plant, especially in large quantities, could potentially cause gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. It is always advisable to keep ornamental plants out of the reach of small children who might inadvertently ingest plant parts.

• To pets

  The Tatarian Dogwood is also generally considered non-toxic to pets; this includes dogs and cats. While it is not known for being poisonous, eating large amounts of the plant material could lead to gastrointestinal upset for your pet. Symptoms could include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. As a precaution, it is still a good idea to prevent your pets from chewing on or ingesting parts of this plant. If your pet exhibits unusual symptoms after ingesting this plant, consult a veterinarian.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Perennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Variegated

• Flower color

  White

• Height

  5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)

• Spread

  5-6 feet (1.5-1.8 meters)

• Plant type

  Shrub

• Hardiness zones

  3-7

• Native area

  Siberia, Manchuria, Korea

General Benefits

• Aesthetic Appeal: The plant features variegated leaves that create visual interest in the landscape throughout the seasons.
• Seasonal Interest: It has bright red stems which provide dramatic winter color when the landscape is largely dormant.
• Ease of Care: The plant is known for being low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established.
• Wildlife Habitats: It provides shelter and nesting sites for birds during the growing season.
• Soil Erosion Control: Its root system helps in stabilizing soil, which can prevent erosion.
• Tolerance: It exhibits a good tolerance to a variety of soil conditions and can withstand urban pollution.
• Adaptability: The Tatarian Dogwood can adapt to a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.
• Flexible Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of landscaping applications, from hedges to stand-alone specimen plants.
• Hardiness: It is generally hardy in many climates, tolerating cold winters well.

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

• Crafting Material: The bright red stems of the Red Twig Dogwood can be harvested in winter and used in basket weaving or for making crafts and wreaths.
• Wildlife Shelter: The dense foliage can provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and small animals in the garden.
• Natural Dyes: The bark and leaves can be used to produce natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
• Photography Backdrop: This shrub, with its vibrant winter stems, can serve as a beautiful backdrop for winter photography.
• Erosion Control: Planted on slopes or river banks, Red Twig Dogwood can help prevent soil erosion due to its root system.
• Garden Structure: During winter, the distinctive stems provide structural interest in an otherwise dormant garden.
• Pond Edging: Red Twig Dogwood can be used around ponds or water features for added color and foliage near water.
• Privacy Screening: When planted in a row, these shrubs can create a dense screen that can increase privacy in a garden or yard.
• Decorative Mulch: The leaves and bark can be chipped to create an organic, decorative mulch for garden beds.
• Seasonal Arrangements: Branches can be cut and used in seasonal floral arrangements, especially in fall and winter.

Feng Shui

The Red Twig Dogwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Red Twig Dogwood is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Vitality: Cornus alba, commonly known as Tatarian Dogwood, often symbolizes vitality due to its hardy nature and the ability to withstand cold climates.
• Protection: The sturdy stems of the Tatarian Dogwood, which can be used to create barriers or hedges, may represent safety and protection.
• Purity: The ivory-colored halo variegation of the leaves of this particular cultivar, 'Ivory Halo', can be associated with purity and innocence.
• Hope: The bright red stems of the Tatarian Dogwood that stand out in the winter landscape are often seen as a symbol of hope and the promise of spring to come.
• Stability: Its ability to grow in various conditions and soil types makes Tatarian Dogwood a symbol of stability and adaptability.
• Renewal: The seasonal cycle of the plant, with new growth appearing each spring, is emblematic of regeneration and new beginnings.