Siberian Dogwood Cornus alba L.
ABOUT
Commonly known as the Tatarian Dogwood, this plant is a deciduous shrub that presents itself with a multitude of branches, giving it a full and robust appearance. The branches are adorned with oval-shaped leaves that have clean edges and are generally dark green in color. The texture of the leaves is smooth to the touch. When the leaves fall in autumn, they reveal the plant's most distinct feature—the bright red bark that stands out, especially during the winter months, providing a striking contrast against the often snowy and dull landscape. In the spring, the Tatarian Dogwood blossoms small clusters of white flowers that are both delicate and dainty, attracting a variety of pollinators. As the seasons progress, these flowers transform into berries, which typically bear a white hue with hints of blue and green, offering a valued food source for birds and other wildlife. Overall, the Tatarian Dogwood is appreciated for its vibrant stems that light up the winter garden and its variegated foliage during the growing season, creating a picturesque specimen throughout the year.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Cornaceae.
Synonyms
Siberian Dogwood, Red-Barked Dogwood, White Dogwood, Tatarian Dogwood.
Common names
Swida alba (L.) Opiz, Thelycrania alba (L.) Pojark.
ToxicityTo humans
Cornus alba L., commonly known as the red twig dogwood, is not generally considered highly toxic to humans. However, it is advisable to avoid consuming parts of this plant as it may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. There are no severe toxic reactions expected from swallowing small amounts, but eating larger quantities could potentially lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
To pets
For pets, the red twig dogwood is also not highly toxic. If your pet consumes parts of the red twig dogwood, they might experience mild gastrointestinal distress, similar to humans. This can include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. Generally, pets are not likely to suffer severe poisoning from ingesting small quantities of this plant, but monitoring for any adverse reactions and consulting with a veterinarian if symptoms appear is recommended.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6 feet (1.8 meters)
Spread
5 feet (1.5 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
3
Native area
Siberia
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Cornus alba, commonly known as Red Twig Dogwood, has striking red branches that provide a splash of vibrant color in winter landscapes.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides food and shelter for birds and other wildlife, with its berries being a source of nourishment.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil, particularly on slopes and banks, reducing the risk of erosion.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round interest with white spring flowers, variegated leaves in summer, and bright stems and sometimes fruits in the winter.
- Hedge Formation: Can be used as a hedge or screen due to its dense growth habit, creating privacy and windbreaks.
- Adaptability: Adapts well to a variety of soil types and conditions, making it a versatile choice for many landscapes.
- Pollinator Support: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators, contributing to the health of the local ecosystem.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Cornus alba L. may possess compounds that help reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain antioxidants that help in protecting the body from oxidative stress.
- Antipyretic: There might be components in Cornus alba that help in reducing fever.
- Antimicrobial: It may exhibit properties that help in fighting off certain microbial infections.
- Hepatoprotective: Some research suggests that Cornus alba could have liver-protecting effects.
- Immunomodulatory: Compounds in the plant could potentially modulate the immune system, enhancing its function.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cornus alba, commonly known as the red twig dogwood, can be used in basket weaving owing to the flexibility and strength of its branches.
- The bright red stems of the plant are popular for decorative arrangements in winter, especially in Christmas decorations.
- Red twig dogwood is sometimes planted as a form of soil erosion control due to its dense rooting system.
- The shrub can serve as a natural screen or hedge in landscaping, providing privacy and wind protection.
- It is also used as a host plant for butterfly larvae, offering a food source for caterpillars of certain butterfly species.
- Gardeners might utilize the plant to create a natural dye, with varying parts of the plant yielding different colors.
- In larger gardens and parks, red twig dogwood can be used to create an outdoor 'room' by planting in clusters to form walls.
- The shrub is sometimes used in permaculture designs as part of a wildlife-friendly edge or border that provides habitat for birds and insects.
- Its branches may be used in crafts, such as making walking sticks or small handcrafted items, after proper treatment and finishing.
- Cornus alba can be used as a companion plant in gardens to add seasonal color and textural contrast, which also benefits neighboring plants by attracting beneficial insects.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Red Twig Dogwood is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Red Twig Dogwood is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Hope: Cornus alba, commonly known as the Siberian dogwood, blooms in late spring, symbolizing hope and the anticipation of pleasures to come.
- Perseverance: This plant is known for its hardiness in various soils and climates, representing the ability to endure and thrive in difficult conditions.
- Rejuvenation: The Siberian dogwood sheds its old bark to reveal new, bright red stems beneath. This is often seen as a symbol of rejuvenation and new beginnings.
- Protection: In some cultures, dogwood is believed to ward off negative energies and is planted for protection.
WaterTatarian dogwood (Cornus alba) prefers moist, well-drained soil, so it should be watered regularly to maintain consistent soil moisture. During the growing season, watering once a week with 1 to 2 gallons per plant is typically sufficient, but this may need to increase during hot, dry periods to ensure the soil does not dry out completely. It is less demanding in winter, but it's still necessary to prevent the soil from becoming parched. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness and water accordingly, aiming to mimic natural rainfall patterns.
LightTatarian dogwood thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location for this plant would receive morning sunlight and some afternoon shade, particularly in hotter climates, to protect it from intense heat. However, the plant is adaptable and can also grow well in full sun conditions as long as its moisture requirements are met.
TemperatureThe Tatarian dogwood is hardy and tolerates a wide range of temperatures, typically surviving winter lows down to -30°F and summer highs up to 90°F. The ideal growing temperature for this plant is between 60°F and 75°F. Sudden temperature fluctuations are not desirable, so a location that moderates extremes is best.
PruningTatarian dogwood should be pruned to promote healthy growth and maintain an attractive shape. The best time for pruning is late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning every year or every other year is recommended to remove dead or damaged branches, thin out the plant for better air circulation, and encourage strong, vibrant stems that display the plant’s characteristic colorful bark.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus alba L.) should be fertile and well-draining. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, roughly between 5.5 and 7.5. A mix composed of loamy soil, peat, and some sand or perlite to aid drainage would be ideal for this shrub.
RepottingRed Twig Dogwoods are typically outdoor plants and do not require repotting as they are planted in the ground. If grown in containers, they should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root-bound conditions and to replenish nutrients in the soil.
Humidity & MistingRed Twig Dogwood does well in average outdoor humidity conditions. It is adaptable to the humidity levels found in most temperate climates and does not require any special humidity adjustments when planted outside.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and water when topsoil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to partial shade, mulch, and moist, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
2-7 USDA
Life cycleThe common name for Cornus alba L. is Tatarian dogwood. The plant begins its life cycle as a seed, which, upon germination in suitable conditions, sprouts a root system and a shoot that grows towards the sun. The young plant, or seedling, develops a set of true leaves and continues to grow, entering the vegetative stage where it accumulates resources and increases in size. As it matures, Tatarian dogwood enters the reproductive stage, producing clusters of small white flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the development of small blue-white berries. After fertilization, the plant's berries ripen, fall to the ground, or are carried away by animals, potentially leading to the dispersal of seeds that can grow into new plants. Finally, in the post-reproductive stage, the plant displays senescence, where growth slows and the plant eventually dies, completing its life cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late winter-early spring
Propogation: Cornus alba L., commonly known as red-twig dogwood or Tatarian dogwood, is effectively propagated through hardwood cuttings. The best time to take these cuttings is during the dormant period from late fall to late winter. A popular method involves selecting healthy, mature stems from the current or previous growing season and cutting them into lengths of 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 centimeters), making sure each cutting has several nodes. The lower end of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Subsequently, the cuttings are planted in a well-draining soil mix, with about one-third to one-half of their length buried and with the nodes ideally positioned to be just below the soil surface. The soil should be kept lightly moist until the cuttings have rooted, which typically takes a few weeks to a few months depending on environmental conditions. During this time, it’s important to provide the cuttings with indirect light and protection from extreme temperatures to ensure successful propagation.
