American dogwood

Cornus mas

Growth Characteristics of Cornus officinalis

Cornus officinalis is a deciduous small tree that typically grows to a height of 3 to 5 meters. Yellow flowers bloom between March and April, and the red, oval-shaped fruits ripen in the autumn. Cornus officinalis thrives in sunny locations and prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

Propagation Methods

Cornus officinalis can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or grafting. For seed propagation, seeds are separated from harvested fruit and sown directly in the autumn, or sown indoors during the winter and transplanted in the spring. For cutting propagation, new branches are cut in the summer and rooted either in water or planted in sand.

Cultivation Methods

Since Cornus officinalis grows well in well-drained soil with ample sunlight, it is recommended to properly improve the soil before planting. Planting intervals should be 2 to 3 meters to ensure sufficient space for the trees to grow. While frequent watering is required initially, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant once it has established roots. It is beneficial to apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer in the spring.

Uses in the Garden
Cornus officinalis is highly popular as an ornamental plant in gardens due to its showy yellow flowers and red berries. It harmonizes well with other plants and can also be used as a hedge. In particular, it blooms in early spring, playing a role in breathing life into the garden.

Major Pests and Diseases and Control Methods
Cornus officinalis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occur occasionally. Major diseases include fungal diseases affecting the leaves and root rot, while pests include bud beetles and scale insects that damage the tree. For prevention, proper ventilation and humidity control are necessary. If an outbreak occurs, control it using registered fungicides or insecticides appropriately. Periodic observation and the removal of diseased branches when necessary are also important.

Plant Family	Cornaceae
Height	4.5~7.5m
Spread	3.6~6m
Colors	yellow
Bloom Period	March to July
Water Needs	commonly
Exposure	Sunny
Freezing Resistance	-30°C

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