Under the name 'dogwood' (Cornus) or horn bush, a genus of plants with about 55 different species that is widespread in the northern hemisphere. These are shrubs or small trees, some of which - e.g. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) and red dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) - are also native to us. Most species are mildly toxic to both humans and animals, but in some cases the fruit can be made into jam or fruit juice.

The fruits of some dogwood varieties can be made into jam, for example

The leaves, bark and roots in particular contain toxins

The toxicity of the different dogwood species is quite different, with most being only slightly toxic and therefore only causing minor symptoms of poisoning if the worst comes to the worst. Sensitive people and children can react with skin contact with various parts of the plant with irritation or rashes, because the toxins collect primarily in the leaves, bark and roots. Accidental consumption of these parts can cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. On the other hand, small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or cats are much more endangered, for which most dogwoods can have deadly consequences.

The fruits of some dogwood species are edible

As a rule, the fruits of the dogwood are, if not poisonous (only in some species), at least inedible when raw. They taste very sour and are therefore probably not eaten in large quantities voluntarily anyway. Only birds and wild animals find the drupes very tasty, so that the dogwood is an important source of food for these animal species. The fruits of the red dogwood and the cornel can also be eaten by humans when cooked (i.e. processed into jam or fruit juice). They contain a lot of vitamin C.

tips

The raspberry-like fruits of the Japanese flower dogwood (Cornus kousa) or Chinese flower dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis) are also said to be edible when cooked.

Category:

Trees