Cornus Sanguinea - Common Dogwood

Cornus sanguinea, commonly known as Common Dogwood, is a native British upright suckering shrub admired for its striking autumn foliage and vivid red stems in winter. Often found wild on the chalky soils of Southeast England, it thrives on almost any soil type and is particularly suited to damp or coastal sites. Its dense, upright growth habit makes it ideal for mixed wildlife hedges, waterside barriers, and naturalistic landscaping projects, providing both ornamental interest and functional benefits.

Common Dogwood is extremely hardy, adaptable, and fast to establish. Its strong, straight stems have historically been used for skewers, tool handles, looms, arrows, and basket-work. The shrub produces flat clusters of small hermaphrodite flowers in June and July, followed by blue-black berries in autumn that attract birds and support local wildlife. Dogwood’s combination of year-round interest, resilience, and ecological value makes it an excellent choice for landowners, councils, landscapers, and tree planting contractors seeking a reliable native hedging or wildlife-friendly plant.

This is the size and type we sell: Cornus sanguinea Common Dogwood 20–50cm Cell Grown, Cornus sanguinea Common Dogwood 30–50cm 1+0, and Cornus sanguinea Common Dogwood 40–60cm 1+1, professionally grown shrubs suitable for hedges, wildlife planting, and waterside landscaping.

Features & Benefits

Native British upright suckering shrub with strong stems

Attractive red stems in winter and red autumn foliage

Tolerates almost any soil type, including damp and coastal sites

Produces insect-attracting flowers and bird-friendly berries

Useful for mixed hedges, waterside barriers, and naturalistic landscaping

Strong stems historically used for skewers, tools, and basket-work

Supports biodiversity and wildlife in hedgerows and gardens

Applications

Mixed native hedges and wildlife-friendly planting

Woodland and naturalistic landscaping

Waterside barriers for public safety

Gardens and parks as specimen or boundary shrubs

Council and landowner planting schemes

Restoration and ecological planting projects

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 3m height x 2.5m spread

After 20 years: 3m height x 2.5m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Cornus sanguinea

Common Name | Common Dogwood

Plant Type | Deciduous native shrub

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 3m

Mature Spread | Up to 2.5m

Soil Type | Any soil, damp or coastal tolerant

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 20–50cm Cell Grown / 30–50cm 1+0 / 40–60cm 1+1

Maintenance | Prune after flowering; cut one third to ground in late Feb for stem colour

Wildlife Value | Flowers attract insects; berries eaten by birds; supports moth larvae