Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Cornales
Family: Cornaceae
Genus: Cornus
Species: 30 odd
Common name : Dogwood
The genus Cornus comprise a group of 30-50 species of mostly deciduous woody plants growing as shrubs and trees, mostly known as dogwoods; some species are herbaceous perennial plants and a few of the woody species are evergreen. Dogwood trees are typically grown for their showy Spring flowers, technically known as "bracts", The word dogwood comes from dagwood, from the use of the slender stems of very hard wood for making 'dags' (daggers, skewers).The wood was also highly prized for making loom shuttles, arrows, tool handles, and other small items that required a very hard and strong wood. The tree has a heavy bark.
A Dogwood at Waiwaka Reserve (early January)
Same dogwood at Waiwaka Reserve (May)
A photograph of a collection of Dogwood trees on the slope above the Oak collection.
Photo taken 10.4.10
Photo taken April
