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Cornelian cherry

Cornelian cherry

Cornus mas

shrub☀️ full sun💧💧 moderate waterZone 4a – Zone 8b

A deciduous shrub or small tree prized for its early yellow flowers and edible red fruits that ripen to deep red. It offers multi-season interest with attractive foliage and a dense branching structure.

Overview

Form
Rounded
Growth Rate
slow
Size
15–26′ tall × 12–20′ wide
Dormancy
deciduous

Tolerances & Soil

low

Flood Tolerance

none
Zone 4aZone 8b
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 4a to Zone 8b

pH Range

57.5
7.0
3.556.589
pH range: 5 to 7.5

Soil Texture

Coarse, Medium, Fine

Seasonality

Bloom Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Harvest Season

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Season of Interest

SpringSummerFallWinter

Sub-canopy

Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.

Succession Role

early successionalmid successional

Native Range

Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia

Function & Care

wildlife benefitmedicinalediblehedgerowpollinator nectary
Coppicing

Edible Parts

fruit

Establishment & Care

Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Years to Bearing
3 years
Propagation
seed, cutting, grafting

Companion Planting

Plants well with

Notable Cultivars

'Elegant' and 'Flava' are known for superior fruit production and flavor. 'Variegata' offers ornamental variegated foliage but produces less fruit.