Asiatic Dogwood

Cornus officinalis is native to East Asia, with its natural range centered in China, Korea, and Japan.

• Native to temperate and subtropical regions of China, particularly in provinces such as Henan, Shaanxi, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Sichuan
• Also indigenous to the Korean Peninsula and parts of Japan
• Has been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years
• The species was introduced to European botanical gardens in the 18th century as an ornamental plant
• Prefers montane forests and hillsides at elevations of 400–1,500 m in its native habitat

Cornus officinalis is a deciduous tree or large shrub typically reaching 4–10 m in height, with a broadly rounded crown.

Bark & Branches:
• Bark is grayish-brown, smooth when young, becoming slightly fissured with age
• Young branches are green to purplish, becoming brown and glabrous
• Opposite branching pattern characteristic of the Cornaceae family

Leaves:
• Opposite, simple, ovate to elliptic (5–12 cm long, 3–6 cm wide)
• Dark green and glossy above, paler beneath with appressed pubescence along veins
• Entire margins; prominent arcuate venation (curved secondary veins running parallel to leaf margins)
• Turn yellow to reddish-purple in autumn before abscission

Flowers:
• Small, bright yellow, borne in dense umbel-like cymes (2–4 cm diameter)
• Appear in early spring (March–April) before or simultaneously with leaf emergence
• Each flower has four sepals, four petals, four stamens, and a single pistil
• Flowers are hermaphroditic and insect-pollinated

Fruit:
• Oblong-ellipsoid drupe, bright red to dark red when ripe (1.5–2 cm long)
• Flesh is juicy, slightly acidic, and astringent with a flavor reminiscent of cranberry
• Contains a single hard, oblong stone (endocarp)
• Fruits ripen in autumn (September–November)
• Rich in organic acids, sugars, and vitamin C

Cornus officinalis thrives in temperate deciduous and mixed forest ecosystems.

Habitat:
• Montane slopes, forest margins, thickets, and stream banks
• Found at elevations of approximately 400–1,500 m in its native range
• Tolerates partial shade but fruits more prolifically in full sun

Soil:
• Prefers deep, well-drained, humus-rich loamy soils
• Tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions (pH 5.5–7.5)
• Does not tolerate waterlogged or compacted soils

Climate:
• Cold-hardy; tolerates winter temperatures down to approximately −20°C
• Requires a period of winter chilling for proper dormancy break and spring flowering
• Moderately drought-tolerant once established, though prolonged drought reduces fruit yield

Pollination & Seed Dispersal:
• Flowers are pollinated primarily by bees and other generalist insect pollinators
• Fruits are consumed by birds and mammals, which disperse the seeds
• Seeds require cold stratification (2–3 months at 2–5°C) to break dormancy

The fruit of Cornus officinalis is generally considered safe for consumption when ripe and properly prepared.

• Unripe fruits contain higher levels of tannins and organic acids, which may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if consumed in large quantities
• In TCM practice, the fruit is typically processed (steamed or dried) before medicinal use to reduce astringency and enhance therapeutic properties
• No significant toxicity has been reported for properly prepared fruit at recommended medicinal doses
• As with any herbal medicine, excessive consumption may lead to adverse effects; consultation with a qualified practitioner is advised

Cornus officinalis is cultivated both as a medicinal crop and as an ornamental landscape tree.

Light:
• Full sun to partial shade; full sun promotes the best flowering and fruiting
• Tolerates light shade but with reduced fruit production

Soil:
• Deep, fertile, well-drained loamy soil with high organic matter content
• Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites

Watering:
• Moderate water requirements; keep soil evenly moist during the growing season
• Established trees are moderately drought-tolerant but benefit from supplemental irrigation during prolonged dry spells

Temperature:
• USDA Hardiness Zones 5–8
• Requires winter chilling (approximately 800–1,000 chill hours below 7°C) for proper dormancy and spring bud break

Propagation:
• Seed: Requires cold stratification for 2–3 months; germination may be slow and erratic
• Softwood cuttings taken in early summer, treated with rooting hormone
• Grafting onto seedling rootstocks of Cornus officinalis or related species

Common Problems:
• Susceptible to dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) in humid conditions
• Powdery mildew may affect foliage in poorly ventilated plantings
• Scale insects and dogwood borers can occasionally be problematic

Cornus officinalis has a wide range of uses spanning traditional medicine, cuisine, and horticulture.

Medicinal Uses (Traditional Chinese Medicine):
• The dried fruit (Fructus Corni) is one of the most important tonifying herbs in TCM
• Classified as sour, slightly warm; enters the Liver and Kidney meridians
• Traditionally used to tonify the Liver and Kidney, stabilize essence (jing), and reduce excessive sweating
• Commonly prescribed for lower back pain, knee weakness, dizziness, tinnitus, frequent urination, and excessive sweating
• Key ingredient in the classic formula "Liu Wei Di Huang Wan" (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill)
• Modern pharmacological studies have identified iridoid glycosides (morroniside, loganin), ursolic acid, and cornin as major bioactive compounds with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and antidiabetic properties

Culinary Uses:
• Fresh fruits are eaten raw, though they are somewhat astringent
• Processed into jams, jellies, syrups, and fruit leathers
• Used to make wine, vinegar, and liqueurs in Korea and China
• Dried fruits are used in herbal teas and soups

Ornamental Uses:
• Valued as a landscape tree for its early spring yellow flowers, attractive autumn foliage, and bright red fruits
• Suitable for parks, gardens, and as a specimen tree

Other Uses:
• The hard, dense wood has been used for tool handles and small carved objects in traditional craftsmanship