Plant Guide

Cornus capitata

Himalayan strawberry tree, Himalayan flowering dogwood, evergreen dogwood, Bentham's cornel

Evergreen tree in the dogwood family (Cornaceae), native to the Himalayas. Dull green, ovate to lanceolate leaves with grey-green undersides, 8-12 cm long, arranged in opposite pairs. Some of the leaves may turn reddish in autumn. In areas with cold winters, Cornus capitata may behave as a deciduous or semi-deciduous tree. Flowers in late spring or early summer with insignificant central clusters, surrounded by four showy, creamy white to pale yellow bracts, 7-14 cm wide. Flowers are followed by bird-attracting, strawberry-like berries, about 3-5 cm wide. Fruit may be bitter, but is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked, or used in preserves. Naturalised in parts of Australia and new Zealand, and regarded as an environmental weed in some of these areas.

Synonyms: Benthamida capitata, Benthamia capitata, Benthamida fragifera, Benthamia fragifera, Dendrobenthamia capitata.

Prefers a sheltered, sunny or partially shaded position in well-draining, sandy soil, but can cope with other soil types, including clay soils. Likes moist conditions, but tolerates drought. Moderately frost-hardy (-5 to -10oC).

Lovely ornamental tree for flower and fruit display. The perfect tree to attract birds in your garden.

Type of plant

Tree - Evergreen

Size

6-12 m tall and wide

Landscape Use

flower and fruit display

Specifications

  • Temperature: Half hardy
  • Light: Medium High
  • Moisture: Medium
  • Soil: Light Medium Heavy
  • Wind tolerance: Average
  • Coastal tolerance: High