Family: Cornaceae
Author: Wall.
Bibliography: W.Roxburgh, Fl. Ind. 1: 433 (1820)
Year: 1820
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cornus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Afghanistan to Sakhalin
Description
The Largeleaf dogwood, scientifically referred to as Cornus macrophylla, is an intriguing and attractive member of the Cornaceae family. First documented by renowned botanist William Roxburgh in “Flora Indica” in 1820, this deciduous shrub or small tree has garnered attention for its notable features and expansive geographical range.
Cornus macrophylla is distinguished by its sizeable, ovate leaves, which are a key identifying characteristic. These leaves can grow quite large, with a lush, green hue that turns to shades of red and purple in the autumn months, adding seasonal interest and charm to gardens and natural landscapes.
This plant’s native habitat spans from Afghanistan to the Sakhalin region, illustrating its adaptability to various environmental conditions. It thrives in woodland settings and mountainous terrains where it benefits from the dappled sunlight and well-drained soils typically found in these areas. The Largeleaf dogwood can be seen growing at the edges of forests and along streams, contributing to the biodiversity of these ecosystems and providing shelter and food for local wildlife.
During the blooming season, Cornus macrophylla produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers that are both visually appealing and beneficial for pollinators. Following the flowering period, the plant yields small, bluish-black drupes which are not only a food source for birds but also add to the ornamental value of the plant.
In landscaping and horticulture, the Largeleaf dogwood is valued for its robust foliage and resilience. It can be used in a variety of garden settings, from border plantings to naturalized areas, providing aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Furthermore, its relatively low maintenance requirements make it a practical choice for gardeners seeking a hardy and visually striking addition to their plant collections.
In summary, Cornus macrophylla, or Largeleaf dogwood, is a versatile and captivating plant species with a broad native range from Afghanistan to Sakhalin. Its large leaves, seasonal color changes, and ecological importance make it a notable species within the Cornaceae family, contributing beauty and function to the habitats it graces.
Common Names
En: Largeleaf Dogwood
Ar: قرانيا كبيرة الورق
Zh: 梾木
Ko: 곰의말채나무
: Largeleaf dogwood
Synonyms
- Swida macrophylla ((Wall.) Soják)
- Thelycrania macrophylla ((Wall.) Pojark.)
Distribution
- Afghanistan (native)
- Assam (native)
- China North-Central (native)
- China South-Central (native)
- China Southeast (native)
- East Himalaya (native)
- Hainan (native)
- Japan (native)
- Korea (native)
- Myanmar (native)
- Nepal (native)
- Pakistan (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Taiwan (native)
- Tibet (native)
- West Himalaya (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 7, 2020 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 2, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 8, 2020 by ben vc (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2021 by Reinhard Hampel (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 12, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 12, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 12, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 12, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 10, 2008 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)
© 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/3663105)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271610-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornus macrophylla Wall.)
