Cornus sanguinea

RHS Plant Profile
common dogwood

Other common names

blood twig, catteridge tree, common cornel, dog cherry, dog tree, dogberry, gadrise, gattar tree, gatten tree, houndberry tree, pegwood, prick timber, prickwood, skewer wood, swamp dogwood, cwyros

Synonyms

Cornus latifolia
Swida sanguinea
Cornus sylvestris

Plants for pollinators
Shrubs

Deciduous shrub about 3m tall, of upright habit, with young shoots reddish-green in winter, ovate mid-green leaves turning deep red in autumn, and in summer, small white flowers in flat clusters, followed by black berries

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cornaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Cornus can be deciduous shrubs or trees, or creeping, woody-based perennials, some with brightly coloured young stems. Tiny flowers are borne in dense clusters, sometimes with showy bracts. Many have fine autumn colour
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe

How to Grow

Cultivation

Will grow in most soil conditions in sun or partial shade. For more information see winter stem colour cultivation or flowering dogwood cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed or hardwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds
  • Hedging and screens

Pruning

Pruning group 7

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to horse chestnut scale

Diseases

May be susceptible to cornus anthracnose and honey fungus