Under the name 'Dogwood' (Cornus) or hornbush, a genus of plants that is widespread in the northern hemisphere of the world and has around 55 different species. These are shrubs or small trees, some of which - among others. Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) and red dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) – are also native to us. Most species are slightly poisonous to both humans and animals, but in some cases the fruits can also be made into jam or fruit juice.
Are dogwood plants poisonous?
Most dogwood species are mildly poisonous, with leaves, bark and roots containing the most toxins. Skin contact may cause irritation in sensitive people, consumption of the fruit may cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Leaves, bark and roots in particular contain toxins
The toxicity of the different dogwood species varies quite a bit, although most are only slightly poisonous and can therefore only cause minor symptoms of poisoning if the worst comes to the worst. Sensitive people and children can react with irritation or rashes when their skin comes into contact with various parts of the plant, because the toxins accumulate primarily in the leaves, bark and roots. Accidental consumption of these parts may cause nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Small pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs or cats, for which most dogwoods can have fatal consequences, are much more at risk.
The fruits of some dogwood species are edible
As a rule, the fruits of the dogwood are, if not poisonous (only in some species), then at least inedible when raw. They taste very sour and are therefore probably not eaten in large quantities voluntarily. Only birds and wild animals find the stone fruits very tasty, so the dogwood is an important source of food for these animal species. The fruits of the red dogwood and the cornelian cherry can also be eaten by humans when cooked (i.e. processed into jam or fruit juice). They contain a lot of vitamin C.
Tip
The raspberry-like fruits of the Japanese flower dogwood (Cornus kousa) or Chinese flower dogwood (Cornus kousa var. chinensis) are also said to be edible - cooked.
