Cornus

/ˈkɔːr.nəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of flowering shrubs and trees including dogwoods, characterized by small flowers and berry-like fruits.

Etymology

From Latin cornus meaning 'horn,' referring to the hard wood of dogwood trees. The genus name was formalized in botanical Latin by Linnaeus in the 18th century.

Kelly Says

Cornus trees are called 'dogwood' because their wood was so hard it was used to make skewers and shafts—not because dogs had anything to do with them, though the berries do look like tiny dog eyes.

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