Cornus stolonifera is a deciduous shrub commonly known as red osier dogwood. The spelling of the word is derived from Latin and follows the standard rules of scientific nomenclature. The first part, Cornus, is pronounced as /ˈkɔːrnəs/ using the IPA phonetic transcription. The second part, stolonifera, is pronounced as /stoʊləˈnɪfərə/. The word ‘stoloni’ means a runner, and ‘fera’ means ‘to bear’. Hence, stolonifera refers to the plant’s ability to produce horizontal stems that develop into roots and produce new plants.
Cornus stolonifera, commonly known as red osier dogwood, is a deciduous shrub that belongs to the Cornaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in various habitats such as wetlands, stream banks, and forest edges. The name "stolonifera" refers to the plant's ability to produce stolons, which are horizontal stems that grow along the ground and can root to form new plants.
Red osier dogwood typically grows to a height of 6-9 feet (1.8-2.7 meters) and has an upright, spreading habit. It possesses multiple branches that are often bright red, especially during the winter months. The leaves are opposite and elliptical, with a dark green color that turns purplish-red in the fall, enhancing its visual appeal.
In spring, Cornus stolonifera produces clusters of small, creamy white flowers, followed by small white fruits in late summer. These fruits are an important food source for many bird species. The shrub is also valued for its reddish-purple twigs, which add interest to winter landscapes and provide food and habitat for wildlife.
Cornus stolonifera is often cultivated for ornamental purposes, as it adds beauty and color to gardens and landscapes. It is known for its tolerance to wet soils, making it an ideal choice for erosion control or planting along streams or ponds. Moreover, it is a popular choice for naturalizing projects and wildlife gardens, as it provides food and shelter for various wildlife species.
The word "Cornus Stolonifera" is a scientific name for a species of flowering plant commonly known as red osier dogwood.
The etymology of the word "Cornus" can be traced back to the Latin word "cornu" which means "horn". This is because some species of this plant have hard, tough wood that can be used to make tool handles or other items resembling horns.
"Stolonifera" is a Latin term derived from two words: "stolō" meaning "shoot" or "sucker" and "fero" meaning "I bear" or "I carry". This term is used to describe the plant's growth habit as it produces long horizontal shoots known as stolons that sprout from the base of the stem and give rise to new plants.