Evergreen large shrub or small tree about 15 m tall. Leaves to about 12 cm long, variable, ovate to narrowly lanceolate or elliptic, dark above, grey-green below, both surfaces with closely pressed hair and 3 vein pairs; no autumn colour. Flowers small, white, in dense clusters to about 1.5 cm wide; late spring to early summer. Bracts 4-6, each to 6 cm long, broadest in the outer half, creamy. Fruit compound, fleshy, red, strawberry-like, to 2.5 cm wide in autumn.

China, Himalaya.

The fruits can be used to produce dogwood jelly.

ACT: Canberra (Australian National University, University House Lawn, ptd c. 1950). VIC: Dandenongs ('Pirianda'); Mt Macedon ('Frencham').

Source: Spencer, R. (2002). Cornaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 3. Flowering plants. Dicotyledons. Part 2. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.