Bentham's Cornel
Cornus capitata
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Pl. FBC8 — Cornus capitata
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IOverview
Overview
Bentham's Cornel (Cornus capitata) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia, including regions of Assam, China South-Central, China Southeast, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and Vietnam. This plant thrives in moist soils that are light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) and prefers full sun to partial shade. Known for its edible fruit, Bentham's Cornel can grow up to 12 meters tall and is hardy in zones 7-10. Its distinctive feature lies in its adaptability to various soil types and its value as a source of food in the wild or cultivated settings.
Quick answers
What is Bentham's Cornel?
Bentham's Cornel (Cornus capitata) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia, including regions of Assam, China South-Central, China Southeast, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Tibet, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Bentham's Cornel thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It grows best in hardiness zones 7-10 and can reach a height of 12 meters. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The fruit is edible and provides the main harvestable part of the plant.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
7-10
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Bentham's Cornel for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Bentham's Cornel in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
Bentham's Cornel saplings, garden gloves, spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Bentham's Cornel in spring or early fall when the weather is mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure soil is well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0; amend as needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings into prepared soil, ensuring the root ball is level.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; mulch around the base.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and regular watering. Prune lightly in late winter.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches; harvest fruit when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, neglecting winter protection, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Bentham's Cornel fruit is edible and can be eaten fresh or used in various preparations. It is typically consumed raw but can also be dried for later use. Skip the invention of specific recipes; focus on these basic uses.
Other uses:Fire starterTanninLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 2 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 2 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 11 native· 2 introduced
Asia7 regions
native (7)ChinaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanVietnam
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya, East Himalaya
introduced:New Zealand South, New Zealand North
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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