Eastern Flowering Dogwood

Pollinator Value

🔑 Keystone: Cornus supports 115 species of butterflies and moths as caterpillar host plants in the Ottawa region, making dogwoods a top-tier keystone genus for lepidopteran biodiversity. Key dependent species include large silk moths (Polyphemus, Cecropia, Io) and tussock moths. The genus also supports specialist bee pollinators.
S13 115 lepidoptera species; S17 4 specialist bee species
🐛 Larval Host: Orgyia definita, Xanthotype sospeta, Acronicta funeralis, Schizura concinna, Antheraea polyphemus, Automeris io, Hyalophora cecropia, Orgyia leucostigma, Hypena bijugalis, Eudeilinia herminiata
S13+S15 10 verified Eastern NA
🐝 Specialist Bee Host: Andrena fragilis, Andrena integra, Andrena persimulata, Andrena platyparia
S17 Fowler pollen specialists on Cornus (Swida); all monolectic on Cornus
❄️ Winter Food Source: Bright red drupes persist into late fall and winter, providing high-lipid food for at least 12 bird species including American Robin, Hermit Thrush, Wood Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Cardinal, Ruffed Grouse, and several vireo species. Fruits are high in fat (up to 35% dry weight) and calcium, making them especially valuable for pre-migratory fattening and overwinter survival.
S57 12 bird species; S41 36+ bird species eat fruit; S29 fruit high in lipids up to 35%

Ecology & Conservation

Proximity Score: 2
Native Status: ❌ Outaouais ❌ Ottawa ❌ QC ✅ ON
Closest Direction: SE
CEC Eco-Regions: 8 – Eastern Temperate Forests, 8.1 – Mixed Wood Plains, 8.1.7 – Northeastern Coastal Zone
Rarity Notes: Federally listed as Endangered under SARA Schedule 1 (listed 2009) and assessed as Endangered by COSEWIC. Nationally ranked N2 in Canada; globally secure (G5). Ontario population is S2 (Imperiled), restricted to the Carolinian zone in southwestern Ontario. Primary threats include dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva), habitat loss, and climate stress at the northern range limit.
S26 SARA Endangered Schedule 1; S22 COSEWIC Endangered, N2, G5, S2-ON; S41 anthracnose threat
Rarity Ranks: ON S2 – Imperiled
Migration: Stable
Ecological Context: An understory tree of dry to mesic deciduous forests, typically found beneath oak-hickory and mixed hardwood canopies on well-drained acidic soils. Frequents hillsides, stream banks, and forest edges. A soil improver whose leaf litter decomposes rapidly and concentrates calcium, potassium, and phosphorus. Near the northern limits of its range in southern Ontario, often reduced to a multi-stemmed shrub.
S41 understory species in oak-pine forests, soil improver; S7 dry oak to rich deciduous forests; S10 partial shade, mesic conditions

Permaculture & Companion Planting

Roles: Fire Retardant, Nutrient Accumulator, Pollinator Attractor, Wildlife Habitat
S73/S29/S72 Evidence: Fire Retardant: S73 [MEDIUM]: S11 Fire Tolerance = Medium (not definitional)] | Nutrient Accumulator: S72 Hemenway (tables: 7-2, 6-2, pp. 96, 116)] | Pollinator Attractor: S73 [MEDIUM]: S68 6 bee associations (threshold=3)] | Wildlife Habitat: S72 Hemenway (tables: 7-2, 6-2, pp. 96, 116)]
Notes: Functions as a dynamic accumulator and nutrient cycler in forest guilds, concentrating potassium, calcium, and phosphorus from the soil and making them available through rapid leaf litter decomposition. An excellent understory complement beneath oaks and other canopy trees, improving soil fertility for surrounding species. Its rapid litter turnover (3-10x faster than most hardwoods) enriches the forest floor.
S72 nutrient accumulator (K, Ca, P); S29 dynamic accumulator; S41 leaf litter decomposes 3-10x faster than other hardwoods

Medicinal Properties
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Category: Analgesic, Anthelmintic, Antidiarrheal, Antiperiodic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Dermatological Aid, Diaphoretic, Febrifuge, Gastrointestinal Aid, Stimulant, Tonic
S28 Moerman categories; S29 PFAF medicinal properties
Notes: Extensively used by Cherokee, Delaware, Houma, and Iroquois peoples. Root bark and inner bark were primary medicinal parts, valued as a febrifuge (quinine substitute for malaria), astringent, and tonic. Bark chewed for headache, decoction of inner bark taken for fever and lost voice, compound infusions used for childhood diseases including worms and measles. Root bark applied as poultice for ulcers and wounds. Contains the glycoside cornin with astringent properties, betulinic acid, gallic acid, and tannins.
S28 Cherokee, Delaware, Houma, Iroquois uses; S29 quinine substitute, astringent bark; S31 betulinic acid, gallic acid, tannin

Edibility & Foraging
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❌ Not Edible

Foraging Notes

Fruit is not commonly eaten and is nearly inedible raw due to thin, mealy, bitter flesh. When cooked, the seed can be removed and the flesh mashed and mixed with other fruits for jams and jellies. Fruit infused in brandy makes a bitter drink. One report considers the fruit poisonous to humans, though this is contested. The fruit is notably high in lipids (up to 35% dry weight).

S29 fruit almost inedible raw, cooked uses; S41 fruit described as poisonous to humans; S11 Palatable Human=No

Toxicity

⚠️ Moderate Toxicity

Not listed in Cornell poisonous plants database. USDA rates toxicity as None and Bloat as None. One report in PFAF notes fruit may be poisonous to humans, and USDA Silvics describes fruits as poisonous, but PFAF also lists edible uses for cooked fruit. No significant alkaloids or known systemic toxins identified. Contains tannins and gallic acid in bark but these are not considered hazardous at normal exposure levels.

S38 not listed; S11 toxicity=None, Bloat=None; S29 conflicting reports on fruit; S31 tannins, gallic acid

Seed Source