cornus

Cornus is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cornaceae, commonly known as dogwoods. The genus comprises shrubs, small trees, and some larger trees, and includes roughly 30 to 60 species distributed across temperate and subtropical regions of North America, Europe, and Asia.

Most species have opposite, simple leaves with entire margins and arcuate venation. Flowers are typically arranged in clusters containing small, inconspicuous true flowers surrounded by four showy bracts in many species, notably Cornus florida and Cornus kousa. The fruit is a drupe, often bright red or blue, maturing in late summer or autumn. Bark is smooth on many species, and wood is dense and fine-grained.

Several species are valued as ornamental plants for their spring flowers, fall foliage color, and sometimes fruit. Notable cultivated species include Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), Cornus kousa (kousa dogwood), Cornus mas (cornelian cherry), and Cornus sanguinea (common dogwood). Some species produce edible fruits; Cornus mas has fruits used in preserves and beverages. In horticulture, numerous cultivars have been developed, including varieties with variegated leaves and different growth forms.

Dogwood species in the wild face threats from habitat loss and disease, particularly dogwood anthracnose caused by the fungus Discula destructiva, which has affected C. florida in North America. Management focuses on cultural practices and resistant cultivars in landscapes.

Cornus is the type genus of the family Cornaceae. Its circumscription and the internal classification of subgenera and sections have varied with botanical advances, but the genus is widely accepted as containing the shrubs and trees commonly called dogwoods.