Ask the ISU Extension Garden Experts: Corneliancherry Dogwood, Eggplant Varieties, Solomon’s Seal and False Solomon’s Seal

What are the growth and ornamental characteristics of the corneliancherry dogwood?  The corneliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is an adaptable, durable and relatively pest free large shrub or small tree. Plants commonly grow 20 to 25 feet tall and 15 to 20 feet wide. The corneliancherry dogwood produces small, yellow flowers in round, three-quarter inch wide clusters in early spring.

When selecting a planting site, choose a location with a dark-colored background, such as a building or row of pine trees, to highlight the yellow flowers. After flowering, oblong one-half to one inch long, berry-like fruit develop. The fruit turn cherry red in late summer and are edible. The foliage of the corneliancherry dogwood is dark green in summer. Fall leaf color is inconsistent, occasionally an attractive purplish red. ‘Golden Glory’ is a heavy blooming, upright cultivar. The corneliancherry dogwood is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 8. 

What are some good eggplant varieties for Iowa?  Numerous eggplant varieties (cultivars) are available for the home garden. These varieties differ in color, size and shape. Fruit colors include green, white, pink, purple and black. Some fruit are striped. Fruit may be oval, pear-shaped or long and narrow. Asian types may produce fruit that are 10 to 12 inches long. In contrast, some varieties produce miniature fruit that are only one to two inches long.

Suggested eggplant varieties for Iowa include ‘Black Beauty’ (oval, six to seven inches long, purple black); ‘Black Bell II’ (oval, six inches long, purple black); ‘Caspar’ (cylindrical, six inches long, white); ‘Dusky’ (pear-shaped, six to seven inches long, purple black); ‘Epic’ (oval, eight to nine inches long, deep purple), ‘Ghostbuster’ (oval, six inches long, white), ‘Millionaire’ (Asian type, slender, ten inches long, purple black), and ‘Rosita’ (teardrop-shaped, eight inches long, rose pink). 

What are the differences between Solomon’s seal and false Solomon’s seal?  Solomon’s seal (Polygonatum spp.) and false Solomon’s seal (Smilacina racemosa) are native woodland plants. Both plants produce long, arching stems. However, the flowering and fruiting characteristics are different. Solomon’s seal produces bell-shaped, yellowish green to greenish white flowers in May or June. The flowers hang down in clusters from the leaf axils. The flowers are followed by marble-size berries which turn blue-black in late summer. False Solomon’s seal produces creamy white flowers in fluffy clusters at the ends of the stems in spring.  After flowering, small, pea-size berries develop that turn ruby red in late summer. Solomon’s seal and false Solomon’s seal grow best in moist, well-drained soils in partial to heavy shade.

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