Dogwood
The Common
Dogwood (Cornus sanguinea, syn. Swida sanguinea) is a species of dogwood native
to most of Europe and western Asia, occurring north to southern England and
southern Scandinavia, and east to the Caspian Sea.
It is a medium to large deciduous shrub, growing 2-6 m tall, with dark
greenish-brown branches and twigs. The leaves are opposite, 4-8 cm long and 2-4
cm 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 mm diameter), with four creamy white
petals, produced in clusters 3-5 cm diameter, and are insect pollinated. The
fruit is a globose black berry 5-8 mm diameter, containing a single seed.