Dogwood: A Plague on the North Downs
In a country diary entry from 21 May 1976, dogwood was described as a plague. Cut it down and it sends up coppice shoots. As it also sends up sucker shoots from the roots, it seems destined to flourish, and flourish it does, most abundantly, being one of the main constituents of the scrubland that is now covering much of the North Downs. It shades out the ground flora and turns the once open grassland into a jungle. The spring drought that seems to have made some species of orchid scarce this year and cowslips abundant doesn't seem to affect it, its deep roots finding adequate nourishment in thin, dry soils.
Surprising Aspects of Dogwood
Dogwood, like many another maligned plant, has some surprising aspects. The dog part of its name is related not to the animal but to dagger. Its tough horny twigs make excellent skewers. The twigs have been reddening since January, hence its Latin name, cornus sanguinea. Its white flower, one of the many opening on the downs this May time, is attractive and doubly so since a friend sent a copy of a traditional poem that links the dogwood with the crucifixion.
Legend of the Dogwood
The legend depicts the flower in images of the cross, two short petals, two long petals, the delicate red flecks being the marks of the nails. The stamen at the centre of the flower depicts the crown of thorns. Even the twisted, stunted growth of the plant is related to its use as the original cross and its subsequent shame. There are similar legends associated with the elder, yet another of the short, scrubby trees that are found in the same vicinity.
Future of the Scrubland
In one combe above Detling that is visited regularly, saplings of beech, ash, and Scots pine are now emerging above the scrub layer. Given time, the forest will reassert itself and even the dogwood will be shaded out.
