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Dogwood

©Philip Precey

Dogwood

The striking red twigs and crimson, autumnal leaves of Dogwood make this small shrub an attractive ornamental plant. It can be seen growing wild along woodland edges and hedgerows.

Scientific name

Cornus sanguinea

When to see

January to December

Species information

Statistics

Height: up to 10m
Common.

About

Dogwood is a small shrub, widespread along the woodland edges and hedgerows of southern England. The crimson colour of its leaves in autumn, and its strikingly red twigs, make it a popular ornamental plant, so it is frequently planted in parks and gardens. In early autumn, it produces clusters of black berries.

How to identify

Dogwood has reddish twigs, and displays umbels (umbrella-like clusters) of white flowers that turn to blackish berries. Its leaves are oval and smooth along the edges, sitting opposite each other on the twigs.

Distribution

Widespread in England and Wales.

Did you know?

The branches of Dogwood are very straight and tough, so were traditionally used to make arrows, butcher's skewers and herding poles.