The male dogwood (cornus mas) is a vigorous shrub with a powerful root system. Although widespread in Europe, it is little known. Apart from its presence in public gardens, it is most often found in hedges or, as in this case, on a roadside embankment. The roots of the dogwood form a fine, very dense network that helps to stabilise the soil. As in the past, dogwood is still highly prized in cabinetmaking and for making tool handles, ladder rungs, etc. Hard and very dense, dogwood does not float in water. It is easy to recognise at the end of winter (late February, early March), when it produces pale yellow flowers on its bare branches. These flowers are very popular with foragers, as they appear at a time when nectar sources are scarce. In autumn, small red fruits appear. They are very popular with birds and, when ripe, can be eaten by people to make wine, jelly or jam.
Le Cornouiller mâle de la ferme d'Angoulevant
