Cornaceae

Defining Characteristics

• Opposite leaves (usually) with arcuate (curved) secondary veins running toward the leaf tip
• Small 4-merous flowers (4 petals, 4 sepals, 4 stamens) in dense cymose clusters
• Showy petal-like bracts in some species (e.g., Cornus florida) that mimic large flowers
• Inferior ovary
• Drupe fruits with a hard stone
• Opposite, simple leaves with entire to slightly wavy margins

Notable Genera

• Cornus (dogwood, cornelian cherry)
• Alangium (alangium)

Notes

Flowering dogwoods (Cornus florida, C. kousa) are prized ornamental trees in temperate horticulture. Cornelian cherry (C. mas) produces edible drupes used in preserves and traditional medicine across Europe and Asia. Dogwood anthracnose (Discula destructiva) is a significant disease threat to native North American species.