Cornus australis
Cornus australis
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Pl. A9D1 — Cornus australis
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IOverview
Overview
Cornus australis, commonly known as the white dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to Central and Eastern Europe and parts of Asia Minor. It thrives in habitats ranging from Austria and Bulgaria to Greece and Ukraine, often found in moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). This plant prefers full sun to partial shade and is hardy in zones 6-9, reaching heights of about 4 meters. Known for its edible fruit, which can be enjoyed fresh or used in various culinary applications, Cornus australis also serves as an ornamental addition to gardens with its attractive white flowers and berries.
Quick answers
What is Cornus australis?
Cornus australis, commonly known as the white dogwood, is a deciduous shrub native to Central and Eastern Europe and parts of Asia Minor. It thrives in habitats ranging from Austria and Bulgaria to Greece and Ukraine, often found in moist, well-drained soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay).
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Cornus australis thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 6-9 and grows up to 4 meters tall. Propagate through seed or cuttings. The fruit is edible and native to regions including Austria, Bulgaria, Greece, and Ukraine.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-9
Mature size
4.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Cornus australis for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Cornus australis in your garden for its easy care and attractive fruit.
- 1
What you'll need
Cornus australis saplings, well-draining soil, mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. Amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the garden or a large pot if you're growing in containers.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun to partial shade, water when the top inch of soil dries out. Prune in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune after fruiting to maintain shape and encourage new growth.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in poorly drained soil, neglecting regular pruning.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:Weaving materialFire starterDyeHedgerowoilLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 30 native
Europe6 regions
native (6)AustriaBulgariaGreecePolandRussiaUkraine
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:West Virginia, Czechoslovakia, Lebanon-Syria, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia, Vermont, Louisiana, Ontario, Virginia, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Masachusettes
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · a9d1000a-0ccb-4aa8-b6fd-0e5b828c9667
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