Oblong-Petal Dogwood

Cornus oblonga

Physical Characteristics

Cornus oblonga is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year, in flower from September to November, and the seeds ripen from March to April. 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 and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Himalayas from Pakistan to China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Edible Uses: Oil The black, ellipsoid fruit is 4 - 6mm long and 6 - 7mm wide; it has a thin layer of flesh enclosing a single, large seed[266 ]. We have seen no specific records regarding the edibility of this fruit.

Medicinal Uses

Antiarthritic Antibacterial Antifungal Antitumor Astringent Diuretic Hepatic Hypotensive Tonic The bark contains essential oils and tannins and is used in folk remedies to treat arthritis and injuries[266]. The fruit is used iby the Chinese as a substitute for Cornus officinalis[266]. These uses are as follows:- Shan Zhu Yu has been used for at least 2,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine. It is a herb that "stabilizes and binds" and is used principally to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and unusually active secretions including copious sweating, excessive urine, spermatorrhoea and premature ejaculation[147, 238, 254]. Like all herbs that suppress bodily fluids (even excessive ones), it will simply prolong or lead to a worsening of symptoms if it is used without tonic or detoxifying herbs[254]. It is, therefore, normally used in combination with herbs such as Rehmannia glutinosa and is an ingredient of the "Pill of eight ingredients" which is used in China to "warm up and invigorate the yang of the loins"[254]. The fruit is antibacterial, antifungal, hypotensive, antitumor, astringent, diuretic, hepatic and tonic[116, 147, 176, 178, 238]. The fruit, without the seed, is decocted for the treatment of arthritis, fever and a wide range of other ailments[218, 279]. It is used in the treatment of senile lumbago, diabetes, cystitis, tinnitus etc[174, 254, 279]. The fruit has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Bacillus dysenteriae and Staphylococcus[176]. The fruit is harvested when fully ripe and is dried for later use[238].

Known Hazards

None known