Cornus capitata has a wide range through SW China and the Himalayas. This evergreen, or in very cold winters semi evergreen, is found at lower elevations (around 2300m) on the edge of mixed woodland. Planted at the western edge of the Chinese hillside, here at RBGE, is a mature specimen, covered in flower. Here it displays a showy presence of an unusual nature.

Four petal like bracts, pointed, creamy white in colour, surround the true flowers. These insignificant individuals are tightly packed in a raised dome and later are followed by red fruit in season.

Cornus capitata

Cornus capitata

Cornus capitata