dogwood

There are about 40 different types of shrubs called dogwoods found throughout the temperate parts of the northern hemisphere. Some kinds, such as the cornelian cherry, are grown for their decorative flowers and the wood of this species is also hard enough to be used for skewers. Dogwoods can be very invasive and, if left unchecked, may pose a threat to the survival of downland areas.

Any of a group of trees and shrubs belonging to the dogwood family, native to temperate regions of North America, Europe, and Asia. The flowering dogwood (Cornus florida) of the eastern USA is often cultivated as an ornamental for its beautiful blooms consisting of clusters of small greenish flowers surrounded by four large white or pink petal-like bracts (specialized leaves). (Genus Cornus, family Cornaceae.)

Heads of small white flowers, each with four petals joined as a tube, are produced in midsummer, followed by black berries. The dogwood is characteristic of lime soils in southern England, and is found over much of southern Europe. C. sanguinea is native to Britain and common in old hedgerows and woods. It takes its name from the redness of the twigs. The introduced red-osier dogwood (C. sericea) has longer twigs of a brighter red, with white berries rather than black. Various other species of dogwood are planted in gardens.