Some of the descriptors for Dogwood trees include “enchanting beauty, understated elegance, vibrance and versatility with unique characteristics”. One especially eloquent author writes (in reference to Dogwood) “of the vast and diverse landscapes of Canada being painted with a rich tapestry of natural beauty”. Dogwood, a member of the genus Cornus with over 50 species, is usually a shrub or small tree.
The genus name, Cornus, is a French and Latin word for “horn”, so-named because of the hardness of its wood. The name Dogwood itself has a rather obscure history, but there are some interesting theories. One theory is that it derived from either Sanskrit “dag”, Spanish “daga” or French “dague” which all mean dagger or skewer, referring to the use of its wood to make tools such as skewers for butchers and others. Similarly, it is reported the First Nations people used the wood to make hooks, skewers and handles called “dags” which evolved into its current name. Yet another theory is that the fruit (of some of the species) was “not fit to be eaten by dogs”.
Pacific Dogwood (Cornus nauttallii) is a shrub or small tree whose flower was designated as the provincial flower of British Columbia, Canada in 1956. It is found mostly in the lower western corner of the province where it remains a protected species. Because Thomas Nuttall was the first scientist to recognize Cornus nauttallii at Fort Vancouver in 1834, the species was given his name.
The Pacific Dogwood, also called Mountain Dogwood or Western Flowering Dogwood, is a deciduous, multi-branched, irregular tree with creamy-white blossoms appearing along the branches. Deer, elk, beaver and bear dine on its shoots, twigs and leaves while birds and small mammals consume the berries. As a shrub or tree, many animals find shelter or habitat within it. In the Pacific Northwest, a number of tribes used Dogwood: as medicine, drying and smoking the leaves, the boughs in sweat houses, the wood for all manner of tools and constituents from the wood or bark as tattoos and dyes. The berries were also used in ceremonies.
As with other plants, such as the Poinsettia, the Dogwood “flowers” are really just modified leaves called bracts. These bracts are colored in order to attract pollinators to the actual tiny cluster of flowers at their centers.
There are a couple of other potentially familiar species of Dogwood. One is the Cornus florida, closely aligned with the Pacific Dogwood and also native to North America. Cornus florida is known as the Flowering Dogwood because of its stunning white or pink bracts that announce the arrival of spring. Also, Cornus kousa (pictured above) is often called Japanese Dogwood or Kousa Dogwood as it is originally an East Asian native with star-shaped bracts, blooming a little later than Cornus florida.
Dogwood’s aesthetic value is undeniable, but maybe not second to the value found in its wood, which has been in use since time immemorial (fossils of Dogwood-like species have been found as far back as 60 million years, during the time of the dinosaurs).
Dogwood is said to grow very slowly and maybe that contributes to its density so that, even in modern times, the wood is recognized for its resilience. Because this beautiful, fine-grained wood resists splitting, it wears smoothly and evenly making it highly desirable in the manufacture of handles for tools, sports equipment (such as golf club heads), piano keys, spools, jewelry boxes and textile shuttles, to name a few.
The consumption of the fruit of Dogwood (known as dogberries or houndberries) is as varied as the number of species. As mentioned, birds love them (some research suggests around 60 bird species consume them) but some varieties are poisonous to humans. For birds and animals, “dogberries” represent needed fat, calcium and calories. For people, Kousa Dogwood fruit has a sweet flavor similar to persimmon while Cornelian Cherry Dogwood fruit is often used in European and Middle Eastern syrups, preservers and liqueurs.
In the deep south of the United States during the Civil War, malaria and yellow fever became a serious problem. Quinine, a proven cure, was unobtainable to them at that time. It was the Indigenous peoples’ use of Dogwood bark and berries that provided a remedy for these diseases. Apparently huge parching ovens were constructed in New Orleans and Dogwood berries were brought in from all over the South for use in the medicine. Historical accounts differ, but generally, the extract they produced was either totally as effective as quinine or not quite as effective as quinine, but still incredibly helpful to the soldiers in coping with/surviving debilitating and sometimes fatal symptoms.
In the Victorian era, a young man could discern if his feelings of attraction were reciprocated by gifting Dogwood flowers. If the unmarried lady returned his affection she would keep them; if not, the flowers would be returned to the disappointed suitor.
There are many myths and legends about the Dogwood. There is a charming Cherokee legend about Little People, a small race of gentle, helpful, but tiny people (not unlike pixies, gnomes or leprechauns). They were largely considered protectors and helpers but could be mischievous or even belligerent if they were not respected.
The Little People were divided into 3 clans: Laurel People, Rock People and Dogwood People. The Laurel People valued having light-hearted, joyful fun, the Rock People valued their privacy and could be nasty if invaded, but the Dogwood People’s teachings were more benevolent. They often quietly performed magical feats such as harvesting a field of corn or other heavy tasks when humans were not looking. Dogwood People loved to help others and their main teaching was to do good for goodness’ sake without expectation of reward.
There are many interesting facts about these trees/shrubs, too many to cover in this article. Some of the mythology, folklore and wisdom come together in the following story:
Dogwood has always been closely associated with Hecate, who was once seen as the goddess of protection, magic and hidden wisdom. In those ancient times she is believed to have brought prosperity and blessings to the Athenian people. Recognized for her reverence for dogs, the Dogwood tree and how she cherished her solitude, she performed miracles for the people without seeking attention for herself. Over time, Hecate’s legacy shifted. She inadvertently became known as “one who holds a dogwood dagger or torch” and her name was then linked with witchcraft, including words like “hex” and “hag”.
Highlighting Dogwood’s message in this story, we can see how easily even good intentions can be misunderstood and misrepresented. Within its example of quiet elegance and, despite this shrub/trees’ slow growth and diminutive size, we are being encouraged to retain our resilience, endurance and adaptability, to remain caring and protective of others, offering random acts of kindness without expectation of reward. This does not mean allowing others to develop unhelpful dependencies on us or others because, as symbolized in the sheer, solid density of its wood and bitter taste of the medicine it offers, Dogwood also insists each take their own share of responsibility.
One more thing. During the research process, the description of Dogwood as an “understory shrub or small tree” stood out. One definition says: “The understory is the part of a forest made up of shrubs, herbaceous plants, grasses, mosses, lichens, and even small trees. While interest in forests tends to focus on the big trees, most plant diversity is found in the understory.”
By shifting perspective of “understory” a little, it could reflect what we hope all of you can attain through a closer relationship with the plant world, if that is your choice. Imagine the big trees (the large events in your life) being nurtured, fed, diversified and supported by the understory of quiet, intimate moments of contact with nature. And, taking it a step further, if we each adopted Dogwood’s voice into our understories, there may be many more moments of “random kindness” happening in the world.