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Cornus alba - L.

Common Name Tartarian Dogwood
Family Cornaceae
USDA hardiness 3-7
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Mixed broad-leaved and coniferous forests, mixed thickets by streams at elevations of 600 - 1700, occasionally to 2700 metres in China[266].
Range E. Asia - Siberia to northern China and Korea.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (1 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Cornus alba Tartarian Dogwood


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Cornus alba Tartarian Dogwood
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Cornus alba is a SHRUB growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Woodland Garden

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil
Edible Uses: Oil

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Oil

The seeds contain 30% oil, which is used industrially[266].

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils and in dry soils. Succeeds in full sun or light shade[[188]. Succeeds in poorly drained soils and so is suitable for streamside plantings[200]. Plants are hardy to about -25°c[200]. A vigorous, fast-growing species, it is very ornamental, especially in the autumn and winterm with its fruit, autumn leaf colour and coloured stems[200]. For the best coloured stems, the plant should be cut back hard in the spring to about 5cm from the ground[200]. There are several named varieties, selected mainly for their variegated leaves or winter stem colour[11]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed[80, 113]. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors[80, 164]. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year[164]. Scarification may also help as may a period of warm stratification before the cold stratification[80, 164]. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more[164]. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage[78]. Layering of new growth in June/July. Takes 9 months[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Botanical References

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