Common dogwood
Hedge and woodland-edge shrub; its flat white flower clusters in May–June offer bees moderate nectar and pollen.
- Nectar
- Medium
- Pollen
- Medium
- Flowering
- JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
- Height
- 2-5 m
- Life cycle
- Perennial
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Common dogwood is a widespread shrub at forest edges, along streams and in hedges in northern and central Anatolia and in Thrace. It is recognised by its branches and leaves, which turn red in autumn. Its flat, white flower clusters are visited by bees, flies and beetles; its nectar and pollen value is moderate.
Flowering
It flowers from late May into June and stays in bloom for about two to three weeks; a sparse second flowering may occur in late summer. The flowers have a slightly unpleasant smell, which does not deter bee visits.
Honey and pollen
No separate honey is obtained; its nectar goes into mixed honey from forest and hedge sources.
Note for the beekeeper
It should not be confused with the yellow-flowered cornelian cherry (Cornus mas), which blooms in early spring; that species is far more important for pollen. Common dogwood spreads easily by root suckers and is a hardy choice for bee-friendly hedge plantings. Its black berries are not edible for humans.