Cornelian cherry (dogwood)

It is a medium-sized to large deciduous shrub or small tree growing to a height of 5–12 m.

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Cornelian cherry (dogwood)

Latin name

Cornus mas

Family

Cornaceae

Origin

it is native to Western Europe, Southern Europe and Southwest Asia

Crop classification

miscellaneous fruit

Growing shape

bush, small tree

Spacing

4-5x3-4m

Soil type

can grow in sandy, loamy or loamy soil as well as acidic, neutral and alkaline soils

Soil pH

5,0 to 8,0

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Interesting

Dogwood wood is extremely dense and, unlike the wood of most other trees, sinks in water. This density makes it valuable for making tool handles, machine parts, etc. It was also used by Greek craftsmen from the seventh century BC to build spears, spears and bows, and was considered by the craftsmen to be far superior to any other wood.

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Usage

čersfresh, pickling, drying, salting, sour pepper, Chinese medicine

Suitable growing locations 

The shrub will grow well in almost any well-drained soil in a location that receives at least 4 hours of sunlight per day. Once established, it tolerates drought or occasional flooding well, but will not survive constant soaking in thick soil. This shrub prefers a location that offers full sun to partial shade. It requires a bit more sun than most dogwoods - less than 4 hours a day will result in reduced flowering and fruit production. 

Cultivation technology, pruning and training 

This shrub tends to produce multiple terminal shoots and you will need to use pruning to control size. If you want a crab-like shape, it is necessary to select one strong shoot that will become the trunk and then systematically cut competing shoots. This species can also be easily cut to maintain as a hedge. It is best to make cuts immediately after spring flowering. Subsequently, it does not require an annual cut if there is enough space. Flowers develop on annual wood. Therefore, if the pruning is strong, there will be no fruits in the year of the cut. However, the plants themselves tolerate pruning well, as well as a stronger cut. With radical pruning, they can even recover and form new shoots. However, less fruit is a frequent cut. The distance between plants in a row should be at least 3-4 m, in the middle row 4-5 m.

Suitable varieties

Flava, Paczoski, Koralowyj Marka, Jolico, Kazanlak, Pancharevo

Diseases and pests

Dogwood is rarely attacked by pests. Individual leaves can be damaged by caterpillars. Brown spots discovered on the leaves are caused by fungi such as Septoria or bacteria such as Pseudomonas syringae, but these rarely threaten the plant. This can be remedied by pruning to improve aeration and removing dead, diseased leaves. However, for land near fields and forests, tallow (wildlife) poses a much greater threat than pathogen attack.