July 2010 Plant Profile: Cornus elliptica

Taxonomically confusing and indecisive, but I am so enamored by this small tree from China. We have this stunning specimen growing here at CUH (within the Fragrance Garden, though it’s not fragrant at all) and, each June-July, I stare in amazement at the glossy evergreen foliage blushed in deep red and bronze with a smattering of star-like bracts that cover almost the entire tree from top to bottom. 

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