Cornus iberica
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed. 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.
Edible uses
This species has the same uses as the closely related C. sanguinea. These uses are listed below. Fruit - raw or cooked. An oil is obtained from the seed.
Material uses
This species has the same uses as the closely related C. sanguinea. These uses are listed below. The seed contains 45% of a non-drying oil. A non-drying oil is also obtained from the pericarp, it is used for lighting. A greenish-blue dye is obtained from the fruit. The young stems are very flexible and are used in basketry. Wood - tough, hard. Used for small items such as tool handles, turnery etc.
Habitat
Woody shrubby thickets in the central mountain zone.
Native range
W. Asia - Caucasus