Cornus multinervosa
Family: Cornaceae
What it is like
Cornus multinervosa is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from October to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 8
Where it is found
Mixed woods at altitudes of 900 - 2700 metres.
E. Asia - China in Sechuan and Yunnan Provinces.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit. The fruit is up to 16mm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Wood - hard. Used for making tools.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
We have very little information on this plant and do not know if it will be hardy outdoors in Britain, though it is likely to succeed outdoors at least in the milder areas of the country. The following notes are for the closely related C. kousa. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility, from acid to slightly alkaline but dislikes shallow chalky soils. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a rich well-drained loamy soil and a position that is at least partially sunny. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -20°c. A number of named forms have been developed for their ornamental value. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year. Scarification may also help as may a period of warm stratification before the cold stratification. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, July/August in a frame. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage. Layering of new growth in June/July. Takes 9 months.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;
Habit: Tree
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist