Common dogwood Cornus sanguinea

Features

Cornus sanguinea, the common dogwood or bloody dogwood, is a species of dogwood.

Species	Scrubs (Nanofanerophytes)
Living space	Treeline
Size	2 - 6 m

Description

It is a medium to large deciduous shrub, growing 2–6 metres tall, with dark greenish-brown branches and twigs. The leaves are opposite, 4–8 centimetres long and 2–4 centimetres broad, with an ovate to oblong shape and an entire margin; they are green above, slightly paler below, and rough with short stiff pubescence. The hermaphrodite flowers are small, 5–10 millimetres diameter, with four creamy white petals, produced in clusters 3–5 centimetres diameter, and are insect pollinated. The fruit is a globose black berry 5–8 millimetres diameter, containing a single seed. The berries are sometimes called "dogberries". It grows well on deep, rich loamy soils on a limestone base. It also thrives on clay soils. It needs full sun and thrives in partial shade. It tolerates winter cold and is resistant to pollution. It does not tolerate salt.