Cicely Mary Barker's Dogwood Fairy

I was a warrior,
When, long ago,
Arrows of Dogwood 
Flew from the bow. 
Passers-by, nowadays, 
Go up and down, 
Not one remembering 
My old renown.

Yet when the Autumn sun
Colours the trees, 
Should you come seeking me, 
Know me by these:
Bronze leaves and crimson leaves,
Soon to be shed; 
Dark little berries,
On stalks turning red.

There are over 45 different species of shrubs and trees in the cornus genus. The various species all do best in sun or very light shade. Propagate from seed or rooted layers stuck in a sand-peat mixture.

Several species are used medicinally around the world as astringents and to relieve fever.