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DOGWOOD
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(Cornus florida)
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Other Names
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Boxwood, Budwood, Cornelian Tree, False Box, Florida Dogwood, Flowering Cornel,
Flowering Dogwood, Green Ozier, Virginia Dogwood.
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Description
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Dogwood is native to North America. It grows up to 40 feet tall,
producing oval leaves and small greenish-yellow flowers that are hidden by the large ping bracts,
giving the illusion of a large pink flower.
The bark is brown and rough. The fruit is a glossy red
berry.
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Classification
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Taste
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Dogwood is best used as an ointment. Sometimes it is used as a
substitute for Peruvian Bark.
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Combinations
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Hops, Skullcap, Valerian.
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Constituents
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Glucosides, Resin, Tannins.
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Action
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Astringent, Febrifuge, Stimulant, Tonic.
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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Bark
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Collection
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Not cultivated.
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Preparation
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 Tbsp. of bark. Infuse 30 minutes, then
strain. Take
a 1/2 cup every 3 hours, or as needed.
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Tincture
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Take 20 - 40 drops as needed.
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Growing Directions
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Dogwood will not grow in shallow, alkaline soils, but it will tolerate some
shade. Grow
in deep fertile, moist soil. Propagate by softwood cutting’s available at your local
nursery.
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History
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The berries of the Dogwood were a favorite snack for Native
men. The
women were not allowed to eat them.
The Native woman chewed the bark to relieve back
ache.
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Additional Information
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1. In the past Dogwood was smoked to relieve
headaches.
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Cautions
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Magick Information
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There is no magical value.
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