DOGBERRY

29th March 2024

Photo Credit: seven75 (Getty Images), CANVA

QUOTATION

VERGES: Well, give them their charge, neighbour Dogberry.

DOGBERRY: First, who think you the most desartless man to be constable?

FIRST WATCHMAN: Hugh Oatcake, sir, or George Seacoal, for they can read and write.

VERGES, CONSTABLE, FIRST WATCHMAN: Much Ado About Nothing, Act 3, Scene 3

DOGBERRY or DOGWOOD (Cornus sanguinea)

Dogberry is the name of the self-important leader of a group of watchman. It is also the name for the berries of the Dogwood Tree. Dogwood was supposed cited in Christian tradition (not the texts of the Bible) as the tree on which Jesus was crucified on Good Friday. The twigs and branches of this shrub are very dense and strong and it was used to make spits or ‘dags’ or ‘dogs’.

Dogwood is a native shrub that has creamy flowers and blackish berries, it also has distinctive red stems.

More Information

BSBI Plant Atlas 2020: Cornus sanguinea

Folger Shakespeare: Search Shakespeare’s Works

Wildlife Trusts: Dogwood

Woodland Trust: Dogwood