Dogwood (Family Cornaeae)

Cornaceae, or the Dogwood Family, is the largest family in the order,

though it has just two genera: Cornus (65 species) and Alangium (20

species). Species of Cornaceae are mainly found in both the North

and South Temperate and Sub-tropical to Tropical (mountains) zones,

with a few occurring in Australia.

Genus Cornus is noted for its woody ornamental species that are native

to both coasts of North America and to East Asia. Some members,

such as Cornus florida (flowering dogwood), are chiefly ornamental,

whereas the European Cornus mas (cornelian cherry) has edible fruit,

and Cornus macrophylla yields wood for furniture.

Back to Inventory of Tree Families and Species