Wood: The wood of dogwoods is strong, hard, heavy, fine-grained and resistant to abrasion. The word "cornu" means "horn," referring to the wood of the Cornelian-cherry (C. mas), one of the first species to be known, which has wood resembling the polished horns of an ox. Daggers and skewers were made from the hard wood, hence the name "daggerwood," or "dogwood."
Wildlife: Dogwoods
are one of the most important native plants for wildlife. Prolific fruit-bearers,
they are appreciated and depended upon by many songbirds and important gamebirds.
Thickets form shelter and nesting cover for small mammals and birds, and
deer and rabbits eat the twigs and foliage.
Horticulture: This genus of plants has been known since antiquity and is mentioned in the writings of Homer, Theosphrastus and Virgil. Excellent as border shrubs, screening plants and as specimens, dogwoods fill an important niche in urban landscaping. Tree species, especially the alternate-leafed dogwood (C. alternifolia) provide elegant forms and are especially effective in woodland settings.
