Cornus Glabrata

Description

Cornus Glabrata, commonly known as brown dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that is native to western North America. It typically grows up to 6 meters tall and 4 meters wide, with an upright and spreading habit. The leaves are green and elliptic, measuring up to 12 cm long and 5 cm wide. The flowers are small and yellowish-green, and they bloom from April to June. The fruit is a small, reddish-brown drupe that matures in late summer.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The brown dogwood has an attractive appearance, with green leaves that turn reddish-purple in the fall. The bark is grayish-brown, and it peels off in strips to reveal a smooth, reddish-brown inner bark. The plant produces small, yellowish-green flowers that are not particularly showy, but are followed by small, reddish-brown fruit that add interest to the plant’s appearance. The brown dogwood has an upright and spreading habit, with a dense growth of branches that make it ideal for use as a screen or hedge.

Care Guide

The brown dogwood is a relatively easy plant to care for, and it can thrive in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips for caring for your brown dogwood:

• Water: The brown dogwood prefers moist soil, but it can tolerate some drought once it is established. Water your plant regularly during the growing season, and reduce watering in the fall and winter.
• Fertilization: Fertilize your brown dogwood in the early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak growth and susceptibility to pests and diseases.
• Soil: The brown dogwood prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend heavy clay soils with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage.
• Sunlight: The brown dogwood can tolerate full sun to partial shade, but it will produce the best fall color in full sun.
• Hardiness Zones: The brown dogwood is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

The brown dogwood is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but it can occasionally be affected by the following:

• Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown or black spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide if necessary.
• Borers: These insects can tunnel into the bark and cause damage to the plant. Remove affected branches and treat with an insecticide if necessary.
• Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing and stunted growth. Treat with an insecticide if necessary.

Habitat

The brown dogwood is native to western North America, where it grows in a variety of habitats, including moist woods, streambanks, and mountain slopes. It prefers moist, well-drained soil, but it can tolerate some drought once it is established. The brown dogwood is an important food source for wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

Question and Answer

Q: Is the brown dogwood a good plant for attracting wildlife?

A: Yes, the brown dogwood is an important food source for birds and small mammals, and it can help attract wildlife to your garden.

Q: Can the brown dogwood be grown in containers?

A: Yes, the brown dogwood can be grown in containers, but it will require regular watering and fertilization.

Q: Does the brown dogwood have any medicinal uses?

A: Yes, the bark of the brown dogwood has been used medicinally by Native Americans to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, pain, and diarrhea.

Q: How often should I prune my brown dogwood?

A: Prune your brown dogwood in the late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, and thin out crowded or crossing branches as needed.

Related Plants

• Cornus florida (flowering dogwood)
• Cornus sericea (red osier dogwood)
• Cornus stolonifera (swamp dogwood)

References

• Armitage, A. M. (2000). Herbaceous perennial plants: A treatise on their identification, culture, and garden attributes. Stipes Publishing.
• Dirr, M. A. (2009). Dirr’s encyclopedia of trees and shrubs. Timber Press.
• Moerman, D. E. (1998). Native American ethnobotany. Timber Press.