Family: Cornaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 118 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cornus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic to N. Temp. Northern Hemisphere
Description
Dwarf cornel, known scientifically as Cornus suecica, is an intriguing plant that inhabits the subarctic and northern temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Endemic to these cool climates, dwarf cornel is well-adapted to thrive in challenging environments that would deter less hardy flora.
Belonging to the Cornaceae family, dwarf cornel is distinguished by its resilience and adaptability. The plant typically exhibits a low-growing, compact form, which allows it to survive and spread in the undergrowth of forests and along the tundra. Despite its modest stature, Cornus suecica contributes significantly to the biodiversity and ecological health of its native habitats.
First documented in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, dwarf cornel has since been a subject of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike. Linnaeus’s classification, recorded in “Species Plantarum,” underscores the longstanding fascination with this hardy species.
One of the most remarkable features of Cornus suecica is its cluster of small, dark purple to black berries, which form after the plant’s inconspicuous flowers have bloomed. These berries are not only striking but also play a crucial role in the diets of various bird species, ensuring the plant’s seeds are effectively dispersed across its native range.
The foliage of dwarf cornel is equally notable. The plant’s leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and are characterized by their broad, ovate shape and pronounced venation. In autumn, these leaves transform, offering a display of rich, deep red hues that add a splash of color to the often stark landscape of the subarctic region.
In summary, Cornus suecica, or dwarf cornel, is a plant of remarkable endurance and beauty, seamlessly blending into the rugged yet stunning terrains of the Northern Hemisphere. Its ecological importance and botanical intrigue make it a plant worthy of admiration and study.
Common Names
Dan: hønsebær, svensk hønsebær
Eng: lapland cornel, dwarf cornel, swedish bunchberry, swedish dwarf dogwood, dwarf bog bunchberry
Deu: schwedischer hartriegel
Pol: deren szwedzki
Swe: hönsbär, ruohokanukka
Fin: ruohokanukka
Nob: skrubbær
Nno: skrubbær
Nld: zweedse kornoelje
Fra: cornouiller de suède
Cym: corgwyros, corgwyrosyn, corwyros
En: Dwarf cornel, Lapland cornel, Swedish cornel, Dwarf Bog Bunchberry, Bunchberry, Eurasian Dwarf Cornel, Swedish bunchberry, Swedish dwarf dogwood
Ar: قرانيا السويد
Bg: Шведски дрян
Zh: 御膳橘
Cs: Dřín švédský
Da: Svensk hønsebær, Hønsebær
Nl: Zweedse Kornoelje
Eo: Sveda kornuso
Et: Rootsi kukits
Fi: Ruohokanukka
Fr: Cornouiller de Suède
De: Schwedischer Hartriegel
Is: Skollaber
Gv: Billey coyin
No: Skrubbær
Nb: Skrubbær
Nn: Skrubbær
Pl: Dereń Szwedzki, Deren szwedzki
Ru: Дёрен шведский
Sv: Hönsbär, Ruohokanukka
Cy: Corgwyrosyn corgwyros, Corgwyros, Corgwyrosyn, Corwyros
Synonyms
- Eukrania suecica ((L.) Merr.)
- Cornella suecica ((L.) Rydb.)
- Cornus borealis (S.Krasch.)
- Cornus suecica var. leucocarpa (Lindstr.)
- Arctocrania suecica ((L.) Nakai)
- Chloranthus integrifolius (Schult.f. ex Miq.)
- Cornus suecica f. semivirescens (Vict.)
- Cornus herbacea (L.)
- Cornus biramis (Stokes)
- Chamaepericlymenum suecicum ((L.) Asch. & Graebn.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- Baltic States (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Central European Rus (native)
- Denmark (native)
- Finland (native)
- Føroyar (native)
- Germany (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Manchuria (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Netherlands (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest European R (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Norway (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Primorye (native)
- Québec (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Sweden (native)
- West Siberia (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Terje Norli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Terje Norli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 19, 2021 by Zo W (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 29, 2020 by Herman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 5, 2018 by Hans Farjon (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 26, 2022 by flowsen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Sharon Grötsch (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2021 by Donovan lamb (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Terje Norli (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Markus (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 3, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Martin Greve (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 4, 2014 by Genghis Attenborough (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2022 by Terje Norli (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Aug 10, 2018 by Pascal Ollagnier (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Ute Imdahl (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 5, 2021 by Urszula K (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2021 by Ute Imdahl (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2022 by Markus (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3082246)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271681-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornus suecica L.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Shrub, Subshrub