JC Raulston Arboretum at NC State University
Family
Cornaceae
Botanical Name
CORNUS mas 'Variegata'
Plant Common Name
Cornelian Cherry, Variegated Cornelian Cherry
General Description
Variegated cornelian cherry is a deciduous, low branched, multi-stemmed large shrub to small tree. The leaves are green with a white edge. It is one of the earliest shrubs to bloom with tiny, yellow, star-like umbels in late-winter to early spring. It has exfoliating grayish brown bark on older branches and the trunk. The fleshy, bright red fruit that appear in late summer are edible but not especially tasty.
Plant in full sun in a well drained soil, clay or loam, in practically any soil pH.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
8 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
4 - 8
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
15'-20' / 4.6m - 6.1m
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Width
12'-18' / 3.7m - 5.5m
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Late Winter
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Native To
Europe, Eastern Europe, Southern Europe, Western Asia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Clay, Loam
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Lemon Yellow
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Fruit Color
Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
White, Light Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Summer)
White, Dark Green, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated
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Foliage Color (Fall)
White, Purple, Ivory
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated
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Bark Color
Tan, Sandy Brown
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Bark Color Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
No
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Showy Bark
Yes
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Exfoliating
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Usage
Edible, Feature Plant, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No