ENGLISH NAME: Common dogwood
LATIN NAME: Cornus sanguinea
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Svída krvavá
Turkey: Kızılcık / Kızılcık çalısı
Bulgaria: Кучешкидрян
Georgia: წითელი ყურძიფო (Tsiteli qurtsipo)
COUNTRY: Bulgaria, Czechia, Turkey, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Bohemian uplands (Czechia), Thrace and Marmara regions (Turkey), Danubian Plain (Bulgaria), Kartli and Kakheti (Georgia)
Elevation: 200–1200 meters
Terrain: Forest edges, hedgerows, riverbanks, and sunny woodland margins
DESCRIPTION:
A deciduous shrub reaching up to 3–5 meters in height, known for its red-tinged young twigs and oval, opposite leaves. In spring to early summer, it produces small, creamy-white flowers in flat clusters, followed by small, dark blue to black berries. Its twigs turn bright red in winter, adding ornamental value.
USABLE PARTS: Bark, leaves, and fruits (non-edible raw)
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used for its astringent, antipyretic (fever-reducing), and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoctions of the bark or leaves were employed in folk medicine for diarrhea, sore throats, and fevers. Fruits have mild laxative and tonic effects when cooked or made into syrups.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Raw fruits are bitter and slightly toxic if consumed in quantity. Bark may cause gastric irritation in sensitive individuals.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Historically combined with elder or willow bark in traditional fever remedies; with oak bark for astringent effects.
PREPARATION:
Bark and leaves used in decoctions for internal use or as a gargle. Cooked fruits are made into jams, syrups, or traditional tonics.
HARVEST TIME:
Late spring to early summer (leaves), autumn (bark and fruit)
HARVEST METHOD:
Harvest leaves before flowering for drying. Bark is taken in thin strips from young branches in late autumn or winter. Berries are picked fully ripe and only used after cooking.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Dry bark and leaves in a shaded, ventilated area. Store in airtight containers away from moisture. Cooked fruit products should be refrigerated or preserved by canning. Use dried parts within 1 year.
⚠️ Note: Not to be confused with edible Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry). Cornus sanguinea berries are only used in processed form and should not be eaten raw.