Learn why you should plant a dogwood tree in your yard

Dogwood has many useful qualities. This unusual ornamental plant not only looks fantastic in your garden, but it could also help improve your health. Certain species of dogwood bear quite tasty fruit with beneficial properties. Learn why you should consider planting a dogwood tree in your yard and how to use it in the kitchen.

What is a dogwood tree?

Dogwood is the name of more than 40 species of plants belonging to the Cornus family. One of the popular types (especially in central and southern Europe) of this plant is called cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.), a tree that can even reach 10 meters in height. It is cultivated mainly in Europe and Asia. Certain species of dogwood can be planted in gardens, others only grow in forests. Cornus mas is prized for its sweet and sour fruit, rich in polyphenols and vitamin C. Dogwood bark has antiseptic qualities.

What makes cornelian cherry different from other shrubs is the fact that it is easy to grow and has many uses. Dogwood is not only a beautiful ornamental tree, but is also beneficial to human health. What's more, it is a plant with few requirements, so it is perfect for anyone who is too busy taking care of their garden.

What types of dogwood trees are best to grow in the garden?

As already mentioned, the cornelian cherry, also known by its scientific name as Cornus mas is a popular species, commonly grown in gardens in southern and central Europe, as well as western Asia. The plant owes its popularity to its many qualities, which can be used in the garden and beyond. A characteristic feature of the cornelian dogwood is its small round red berries. Its red shade can enliven the garden in summer and winter.

There are many types of dogwood trees, including also ornamental plants that can be beautiful decorations in a garden. The most popular and interesting species are the Siberian dogwood (Cornus alba), which can grow up to 3 meters tall, the Japanese dogwood (kousa dogwood) with its original shape, or the very tall, low-resistant Himalayan flowering dogwood. temperatures and difficult conditions.

How to plant a cornelian dogwood tree?

If you're wondering how to plant a dogwood tree in your yard, purchase a seedling from a garden store. Before planting, be sure to trim all shoots that grow just above the ground and any roots that are too long, by 1/3 of their length. A dogwood tree typically reaches up to 6-8 meters in height, forming either a tree or a large shrub. For this reason you must provide the plant with enough space to grow.

I wonder how fast dogwood trees grow. The growth rate is quite slow for the first 2 years. The first results are noticeable about 3 years after planting the plant.

Cornelia cherry - how to care for it?

Cornus mas is fairly easy to grow. However, you must follow certain rules to allow the tree to grow properly and make it a real decoration in your garden.

Two of the main issues are dogwood placement and growing it in the right type of soil. A dogwood tree should grow in full sun to part shade. The best type of soil for this type of plant is calcareous or slightly acid and humid. A cornelian cherry tree does not tolerate standing water. For this reason, avoid planting it in impervious soil.

If you want your cornelian cherry tree to grow well and healthily, take good care of it. The two most important aspects are regular watering and fertilizing. Although the dogwood is quite resistant to droughts, these influence the fruiting process. Make sure you water the plant regularly and provide it with all the nutrients it needs. The plant is not very demanding. All you have to do is fertilize the dogwood once a year in early spring, for proper growth and nutrition.

• A cornelian cherry does not need to be trimmed. Any mechanical damage to the plant negatively affects its fruiting.
• How to use the cornus mas in the kitchen? Properties of the cornelian cherry fruit
• A dogwood tree is not only a magnificent decoration in your garden. Its edible species can become real celebrities in every kitchen. Learn several practical uses for a cornelian cherry fruit.

What are the benefits of cornelian cherry fruits?

The fruits of the cornelian cherry are a good source of many vitamins and minerals, which is why they have health-promoting or even healing properties. Eating cornelian cherry fruits influences:

Immunity - A dogwood tree contains high doses of vitamin C, which can be found in the fruit. For this reason it can be used as a natural remedy for infections and the common cold.

Cancer prevention - because the cornelian cherry fruits are the source of flavonoids that fight toxins in the body, they can be used as a cancer prevention tool. The fruits of the cornelian cherry are excellent for reducing oxidative stress.

Stomach problems - a dogwood tree is also a perfect natural remedy for diarrhea and flu. It is caused by the high content of tannins in the fruit, substances with binding properties. However, if you suffer from stomach ulcer, you should avoid eating the fruits.

Urinary tract conditions - the cornelian cherry fruit in liquid form (eg as juice) has diuretic properties. Also, the vitamin C it contains is an anti-inflammatory agent. For this reason, you can drink cornelian cherry juice or tea as a remedy for bladder problems.

Anemia - Due to the high levels of iron, cornelian cherry is a good preventative agent against anemia. It is also good for treating eating disorders caused by anemia.

Cornelian cherry liqueur for the cold… and more!

Cornelian cherry liqueur is a natural remedy for the common cold due to the high content of vitamin C in the fruits. The liquor treats infections that cause fever. However, you should be cautious with this form of treatment and learn all about it - before you even decide to make the drink.

The value of liquor lies not only in its health benefits, but also in its taste. You can consume it as is, or as a complement to other drinks. It tastes great with tea.

To prepare a cornelian cherry liqueur, mix a kilo of fruit with 5 tablespoons of dried cranberries and pour a lot of alcohol. Put the jar with the liquor in a warm place and shake it every 2-3 days. After 5 weeks separate the spirit from the fruits and put it in the fridge. Then pour the sugar over the fruits and wait until it is completely dissolved.

Mix the sugar and fruit syrup with the alcohol, which will start the clarification process. The last step is to filter the cornelian cherry liqueur by pouring it through a piece of cloth (eg cheesecloth). Liquor can be stored in a cold place even for several years. Remember that this homemade liquor is for personal use only.

How to make tasty cornelian cherry preserves?

Cornelian cherry jam is a perfect bread spread and dessert topping. It has a delicious sweet and sour flavor that adds character to meals. Furthermore, its rich nutritional values make Cornish cherry jam not only a tasty but also a healthy food.

Stocks of cornelian cherries, as well as fresh fruits, are harmful to anyone suffering from stomach ulcers.

To make Cornish cherry jam, first rinse, peel and pit the fruits. Then prepare a syrup by boiling water and sugar in the ratio of 0.5 liters of water and 2 kilos of sugar. Pour the fruits into the syrup and leave them to soak for 24 hours. Then bring them to a boil over medium heat. Pour the hot cornelian cherry jam into jars and close tightly.

Cornelian cherry has long been known for natural medicine. It can be used for both healing and cooking, therefore it is a plant that is often cultivated in many parts of the world.

If you want a beautiful garden with more than one species of shrubs, also choose a yucca or pampas grass.

When to plant dogwood trees?

Dogwood tree seedlings can be planted all season, although the best time to do so is spring or fall. Be sure to plant the seedling in the right type of soil - calcareous or slightly acidic. Dogwood trees need a lot of space to grow, reaching up to 5-10 meters.

When do dogwood trees bloom?

Depending on weather conditions, dogwood flowers from February to May in moderate climates. A bud develops 15 to 20 small flowers. They are resistant to frost.

How to prune the dogwood tree?

Although dogwood trees rarely require pruning, do so in late fall or winter if necessary. Use a pruning saw or shears and cut just at the base of the branch. Do not cut in the neck area, as this can cause an infection.

How big is a dogwood tree?

Depending on the particular species, dogwood trees can reach up to 10 meters in height. Seedlings grow slowly during the first 2 years. The changes become significant in the third year.