Common Name:

General Information

Cornus hemsleyi is a deciduous shrub or a small tree thar can grow 2 - 5 metres tall, exceptionally to 8 metres[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China

Habitat

Mixed forests, thickets and streamsides; at elevations from 1,000 - 4,000 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Cornus hemsleyi is a moderately cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to around -20°c when dormant
An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility[], ranging from acid to shallow chalk[]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in full sun or light shade[[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The purplish-red or black, globose fruit is 4 - 5mm in diameter; the thin layer of flesh enclosing a single, large seed[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

An oil is obtained from the seeds. It is used in making soap[].

The leaves and bark are used as a source of industrial tannin[].

Propagation

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, mid summer 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 early summer/July. Takes 9 months[].