SafePlants

Cornus glabrata: Brown Dogwood

Cornus glabrata, commonly known as brown dogwood or smooth dogwood, is a dogwood species native to California and Oregon.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions "dogwood borer attack," which suggests that parts of the plant, particularly the wood, may be susceptible to infestation by insects. While not directly related to toxicity, the presence of borers could potentially make the wood less stable.

Considerations for Children

• The text makes reference to reddish-brown spots on portions of the leaf and the presence of "dogwood anthracnose". This may cause concern in parents of children, but no toxicity is listed in the available text.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cornus glabrata
• Common Names: Brown dogwood, smooth dogwood, western dogwood
• Family: Mentions of the genus Cornus place it within the dogwood family.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to California and Oregon.
• The text notes the "thickest, tallest, and oldest brown dogwood trees (Cornus glabrata) worldwide."
• Also found in Germany (Botanischer Garten Bonn).

Morphological Characteristics

• Deciduous, exhibiting purple and red leaves in the fall.
• Winter interest includes large flattened buds and dark gray, brown, or black alligator-skin-like bark.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Susceptible to dogwood borer attack.
• Prone to anthracnose, a fungus that affects many plants.
• May be affected by Brown soft scale (Coccus hesperidum).

Quirky Facts

• The text mentions various establishments named after Dogwood, including: Dogwood Diner, Dogwood Point, Dogwood Crossing Cabin, Dogwood Hills, Dogwood Creek Apartments, Dogwood Lodge, Dogwood Trail, and Dogwood Pet Lodge, demonstrating the popularity and aesthetic appeal of the dogwood tree.