Cornus mas

Cornelian Cherry

Deciduous Shrub, Tree

"Outstanding Qualities
Round, fat flower buds burst into bright yellow clusters of bloom in the middle of winter brightening the gray rainy days. This lovely small tree is easy to grow and tolerates a wide range of conditions and is quite drought tolerant once established. In late summer edible, red fruit hangs from the branches but are usually too tart to eat fresh. On older trees the crooked twisted trunks will flake and peel in tan, gray and brown patches. Autumn leaf color is a rich, purple-red.

Culture Notes
Plant this slow growing tree in a moist to well-drained soil with full sun to light or open shade. It can be adaptable to sandy soils or clay and is quite drought tolerant once established.

Geek Notes
Native to central and southern Europe and southwestern Asia and has been cultivated since ancient times."—Courtesy Great Plant Picks

Growing Conditions

Zone: 5, 6, 7, 8

Exposure: Full Sun, Part Sun, Part Shade, Filtered Sun, Open Shade

Water Needs: Drought-tolerant, Average, Occasional

Description

Size: 120 - 180 tall x 120 - 180 wide
Shape / Form: Rounded
Foliage Texture: Medium
Foliage Quality: Medium

Features: Attracts Bees, Attracts Butterflies, Drought-tolerant / Water wise, Dwarf / Compact Plant, Fall Color, Flowers, Showy Fruit or Berry, Winter Interest, Edible

Foliage Color: Green
Fall Color: Red Orange, Red

Flower Color: Yellow / Gold, Yellow
Bloom Season: Winter, Late Winter / Early Spring

Fruit Description: Red, Culinary Value, Bird / Wildlife Forage, Showy / Decorative

Uses and Applications

Landscape Uses: Attracts Pollinators, Food for Foraging Wildlife, Mixed Border, Specimen, Street Tree, Structure / Foundation
Wildlife: Bees, Birds, Butterflies

More Design Considerations

Season of Interest: Spring, Summer, Fall, Pleasing Seasonal Changes, Three Seasons of Interest
Position / Role: canopy, back drop
Plant Behavior: Messy
Collections: Great Plant Pick

Care and Maintenance

Maintenance Level: medium


Perfect Partners

Abelia x grandiflora 'Kaleidoscope' | Kaleidoscope Abelia
Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Burgundy Bunny' | Burgundy Bunny Fountain Grass