Cornus elliptica is a bushy small tree or shrub that can be evergreen or semi-evergreen. It features thick, glossy, oval leaves that shift to a purple hue during the winter months. In summer, this plant produces clusters of white flowers, which are actually bracts, and these are succeeded by red berries in the fall.

Cornus includes a variety of deciduous shrubs and trees, as well as prostrate, woody perennials, some featuring vibrant young stems. The small flowers appear in compact clusters, occasionally accompanied by prominent bracts. Several species display attractive foliage in the fall.

Cornus elliptica

Cornus elliptica 'First Choice'

Cornus elliptica 'Full Moon'

Cornus elliptica Empress of China ('Elsbry') is a compact, semi-evergreen tree or large shrub characterized by its oval, dark green leaves that shine with a glossy finish. As the seasons shift into autumn and winter, the foliage transitions to shades of pink and yellow. In early summer, once the plant has settled in, it produces clusters of creamy-white bracts that resemble flowers, which are succeeded by pink, strawberry-like berries in the fall.

Cornus elliptica Empress of China ('Elsbry')

Cornus excelsa is a semi-evergreen tree native to Mexico, capable of growing up to 10 meters tall. It has a broad, spreading form and bears pointed, oval leaves that are dark green, changing to red hues in the fall. In early to mid-summer, it produces small white flowers, which are succeeded by dark blue to black berries in autumn. This species is uncommon in the UK.

Cornus excelsa

Cornus florida is a small tree or sizable shrub featuring broad, oval leaves that shift to shades of red and purple in the fall. In late spring, it produces clusters of small green flowers, which are encased in noticeable white or pink bracts. This is followed by the development of rounded, orange-red fruits.

Cornus florida

Cornus florida 'Abundance'

Cornus florida 'Alba Plena' (d)

Cornus florida 'American Beauty'

Cornus florida 'Amerika Touch-o-pink'

Cornus florida 'Andrea Hart'

Cornus florida 'Angel Wings'

Cornus florida 'Appalachian Spring'

Cornus florida 'Apple Blossom'

Cornus florida 'Ascending'

Cornus florida 'Aurea'

Cornus florida 'Autumn Gold'

Cornus florida 'Barton's White' Barton

Cornus florida 'Belmont Pink'

Cornus florida 'Big Bouquet'

Cornus florida 'Big Giant'

Cornus florida 'Big Girl'

Cornus florida 'Blonde Luster'

Cornus florida 'Bonnie'

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief' is a sizable deciduous shrub that can reach up to 6 meters in height. It features ovate foliage that turns shades of red and purple in the fall. In late spring, it produces flower clusters measuring up to 10 centimeters across, adorned with four deeply notched bracts in a rich rose-red hue.

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Chief'

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Maiden'

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess' is a densely branched deciduous shrub or small tree that can reach heights of up to 4 meters. Its leaves are large and pointed, with a rounded base, displaying pale to mid-green hues that transform to a coppery-red in the fall. In May, this variety produces an abundance of large flowers, measuring 12 centimeters across, characterized by petal-like, snow-white bracts that are notched at the edges and encircle a loose cluster of yellowish-green blossoms. By late summer, it yields narrow, red fruits.

Cornus florida 'Cherokee Princess'

Cornus florida 'Clear Moon'

Cornus florida 'Cloud Nine'

Cornus florida 'Cochise'

Cornus florida 'Comanche Chief'

Cornus florida 'Compacta'

Cornus florida 'Daniela' (v)

Cornus florida 'Daybreak' is a deciduous large shrub or small tree featuring oval, grey-green foliage with creamy white margins. In autumn, the leaves transform to shades of deep pink and red. During late spring, it produces clusters of small green flowers, which are highlighted by four prominent white bracts.

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