Cornus sanguinea

Cornus sanguinea, commonly known as common dogwood or bloodtwig dogwood, is a highly adaptable deciduous shrub native to much of Europe and western Asia. Celebrated for its seasonal transformations, it grows between 2 to 5 meters tall, forming dense, thicket-like structures ideal for naturalistic landscapes and hedgerows. Its oval, dark green leaves develop stunning red, purple, or burgundy tones in autumn, providing a fiery display before dropping to reveal the plant’s most iconic feature—its vivid red to purplish young stems that glow in winter light. In late spring to early summer, flat-topped clusters of creamy white flowers appear, subtly fragrant and highly attractive to bees and butterflies. These are followed by small, blackish-purple berries that ripen in autumn, much loved by birds but mildly toxic to humans. The rich coloration of its twigs, especially in winter, makes Cornus sanguinea a standout in mixed borders or mass plantings. It is prized for its wildlife value, erosion control potential, and ease of care, and is often used in reforestation, bioengineering, and cold-climate gardens for both structure and color year-round.