Contents
Description
Cornus Officinalis, also known as Japanese cornel dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that is native to China, Korea, and Japan. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for various ailments such as inflammation, diarrhea, and malaria. The fruits of Cornus Officinalis are edible and are commonly used in traditional Korean and Chinese cuisine.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
Cornus Officinalis can grow up to 5 meters tall and can spread up to 4 meters wide. The bark of the plant is grayish-brown and has a rough texture. The leaves are ovate, opposite, and are about 5-10 cm long. The flowers are small and yellow-green, and they bloom in the late winter or early spring. The fruits are oval-shaped and are about 2 cm in diameter. They are initially green but turn bright red as they ripen.
Care Guide
Cornus Officinalis is a low-maintenance plant that can thrive in various growing conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:- Water: Cornus Officinalis prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Sunlight: Cornus Officinalis can tolerate partial shade, but it thrives in full sun.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy to USDA zones 5 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cornus Officinalis is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to:- Leaf spot: This fungal disease causes brown spots on the leaves of the plant.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease causes a white powdery coating on the leaves.- Scale insects: These insects can cause yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
Habitat
Cornus Officinalis is native to China, Korea, and Japan, and it grows in various habitats such as forests, hillsides, and riverbanks. This plant prefers moist soil and can tolerate cold temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cornus Officinalis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Cornus Officinalis can be grown in containers. Just make sure to use well-draining soil and water the plant regularly.
Q: How long does it take for Cornus Officinalis to bear fruit?
A: Cornus Officinalis typically bears fruit after 3 to 4 years of growth.
Q: Can Cornus Officinalis be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Cornus Officinalis can be propagated from softwood cuttings taken in the summer.
Q: Is Cornus Officinalis toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Cornus Officinalis is toxic to pets.
Related Plants
Here are some plants that are related to Cornus Officinalis:- Cornus kousa (Kousa dogwood)- Cornus florida (Flowering dogwood)- Cornus canadensis (Bunchberry dogwood)
References
– “Cornus Officinalis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286050.- “Cornus Officinalis.” Plants for a Future, www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cornus+officinalis.- “Japanese Cornel Dogwood.” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8216/Cornus-officinalis/Details.
