Bentham's Cornel Dogwood Seeds

Bentham's Cornel Dogwood is a striking evergreen to semi-evergreen dogwood prized for its showy white flower bracts, attractive foliage, unusual edible fruits, and year-round ornamental value. Native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and surrounding areas, Cornus capitata combines the beauty of traditional flowering dogwoods with the added appeal of colorful fruits and evergreen character in mild climates.

During late spring and early summer, the tree becomes covered with large creamy-white bracts that surround clusters of tiny flowers, creating a spectacular display visible from great distances. These showy bracts are often mistaken for petals and give the tree an elegant appearance similar to other prized dogwood species.

Following flowering, unusual round fruits develop, gradually ripening to shades of pink, red, and eventually reddish-orange. The fruits are edible and have been used locally in jams, jellies, preserves, and desserts. Birds and wildlife are especially fond of the fruit, making this tree an excellent addition to wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Its glossy foliage, attractive branching structure, and long season of interest make Bentham's Cornel Dogwood a highly desirable specimen tree for gardens, parks, and landscape plantings.

• Ornamental specimen tree.
• Wildlife gardens.
• Bird-friendly landscapes.
• Edible fruit production.
• Woodland gardens.
• Shade tree for smaller properties.
• Pollinator plantings.
• Botanical collections.

1. Remove seeds from fully ripe fruit.
2. Clean away all fruit pulp.
3. Cold stratify seeds in moist peat moss or vermiculite for 90-120 days at 35-40°F (2-4°C).
4. Sow seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep in a well-drained seed-starting mix.
5. Keep soil evenly moist.
6. Provide bright indirect light.
7. Germination may be slow and somewhat irregular.
8. Transplant seedlings once well established.

• Botanical Name: Cornus capitata
• Plant Type: Evergreen to semi-evergreen flowering tree
• USDA Zones: 7-10
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, well-drained soil
• Water: Moderate moisture
• Height: 15-30 feet
• Spread: 15-25 feet
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer

Bentham's Cornel Dogwood prefers fertile soils with consistent moisture and benefits from mulching around the root zone. Once established, it develops into a durable and attractive landscape tree that performs particularly well in regions with mild summers and winters.

The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, while the colorful fruits are enjoyed by songbirds and other wildlife. The dense branching structure also provides nesting and shelter opportunities for birds throughout the year.

• Showy white flowering bracts.
• Edible colorful fruits.
• Evergreen foliage in mild climates.
• Excellent wildlife tree.
• Beautiful specimen plant.
• Long season of ornamental interest.
• Attractive branching habit.
• Suitable for smaller landscapes.

Bentham's Cornel Dogwood is named in honor of George Bentham, one of the most influential British botanists of the nineteenth century. The species grows naturally in the mountainous regions of the Himalayas, where it has adapted to cool, moist conditions and diverse elevations.

Unlike many dogwoods that lose their leaves each winter, Cornus capitata often remains evergreen in favorable climates, providing year-round landscape interest and making it particularly valuable as an ornamental specimen.

Many gardeners first notice Bentham's Cornel Dogwood because of its beautiful flowering display, but the unusual fruits and evergreen foliage are equally attractive features. In mild climates, the tree can provide interest during every season of the year.

The fruits are edible when fully ripe and are often described as having a mild, sweet flavor. While not widely grown as a commercial fruit crop, they add an extra layer of interest for collectors of unusual edible plants and fruit-bearing ornamentals.

Bentham's Cornel Dogwood (Cornus capitata) is an elegant and uncommon tree that combines ornamental beauty, wildlife value, and edible fruit. Its showy blooms, attractive foliage, and fascinating history make it a rewarding addition to gardens and plant collections.