Skip navigation

Dogwood

Although named after the twigs this is a popular garden plant because of the rich red coloured stems and vibrant autumn leaves.

What other names does it have?

Generic name	Dogwood
Latin name	Cornus sanguinea
Family name	Dogwood
Latin family name	Cornaceae

What type of tree is it?

Is it a broadleaf or conifer?	It is a broadleaf
Does it lose its leaves in autumn?	Yes, it is deciduous

Species description:

Average height	Up to 10m high

Leaf

Description	The leaves have smooth sides and characteristic curving veins.
Shape	Oval
Size	Up to 6cm long by 3cm wide
Colour	Fresh green
Colour of leaves in autumn	A rich red-purple
Leaf bud	Black buds looking a little like bristles
Leaf stalk	Short stalk
Leaf arrangement	Opposite

Flower, seed, and fruit

Type of flower	Clustered/grouped flowers
Flowering season	Early summer
Fruit colour	Black
Fruit season	September
Type of seed body	Berry
Seeds dispersed by	Wildlife

Bark and twig

Bark description	Grey and smooth with shallow ridges developing with age
Twig Description	Smooth, straight and slim. In the sun the twigs are crimson, those in the shade are lime green

Where is it usually found?

Is it native or non-native to the British Isles?	Native
Where is its natural range?	England, Wales and Ireland
Preferred soil type or environmental conditions?	Frequent on heavy clays in downland scrub. Often planted in gardens
What is its British conservation status?	Common

Additional information

Human uses of tree and timber	The smooth straight twigs were used to make butchers’ skewers which is the origin of the name. Skewers used to be called 'dags' or 'dogs' so the name means 'skewer wood'

Common dogwood

Common dogwood in autumn, showing fruit

Detail of flower

Illustrations supplied by
Collins

BritishTrees

©2012 The Woodland Trust