Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Cornaceae
Botanical Name
CORNUS mas
Plant Common Name
Cornelian Cherry
General Description
Despite the common name, Cornelian cherry is actually a dogwood. This deciduous, multi-stemmed shrub to small tree can become quite large with age. It is native to the woods of Europe and western Asian, and is one of the earliest shrubs to bloom there. Its small, yellow flowers appear in late winter to very early spring and are followed by red, cherry-like edible fruits in late summer that are tart and mealy.
The simple, ovate leaves of Cornelian cherry have smooth edges and are bright to medium green. In fall they turn unimpressive shades of greenish yellow, sometimes with purplish highlights. Mature specimens develop exfoliating, grayish-brown bark in addition to the green twigs or new growth from the previous year. Both offer winter interest. In late winter to early spring, the greenish twigs produce loads of tiny, yellow, star-like flower umbels. The flowers are not impressive alone but en masse they make the branches look like golden puffs of smoke. Bees are drawn to the lightly fragrant blooms. Edible, fleshy red fruits appear in late summer. These are not very tasty raw but can be processed into delicious jam. The fruit is only truly ripe when it is ready to fall from the branches.
Cornelian cherry can be grown in full sun to partial sun in a wide range of average soil types. Unlike many other dogwoods, it is tolerant of both alkaline and heavy clay soil. Specimens sometimes sucker from the base and may require selective pruning to maintain tidiness. Cultivars to note include the variegated 'Variegata', golden-leaved 'Aurea' and heavy-flowering 'Golden Glory.'
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
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
15'-25' / 4.6m - 7.6m (20)
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Width
15'-20' / 4.6m - 6.1m (18)
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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
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Lemon Yellow
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Fruit Color
Red, Dark Red
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Light Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Purple, Yellow Green
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Bark Color
Green, Tan, Sandy Brown, Gray
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Bark Color Modifier
Spotted/Mottled
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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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
No
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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, Foundation, Fruit / Fruit Tree, Hedges, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
Sometimes
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
Yes