Cornelian Cherry
Cornus mas
Also listed as Cornus mascula, Cornus erythrocarpa
Also known as Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, European Cornel
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cornelian Cherry grows in your area.
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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.
Why grow it
Cornelian cherry flowers earlier than most deciduous ornamentals, providing forage for early pollinators when few other sources are available. Unlike many fruiting shrubs, it tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and partial shade, making it useful in understory plantings. The fruit is notably higher in vitamin C than most ornamental Cornus species and can be used fresh or preserved, offering dual-purpose appeal in permaculture systems.
Watch out for
Fruit production can be inconsistent in years with late frosts, since flowering occurs very early in the season. Plants may take several years to reach productive maturity, and cross-pollination from another cultivar typically improves yield reliability. In warm climates, adequate water during establishment helps prevent stress, though established plants are fairly drought-tolerant.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cornaceae
Native Range
Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Elegant' and 'Flava' are known for superior fruit production and flavor. 'Variegata' offers ornamental variegated foliage but produces less fruit.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Cornelian Cherry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Cornelian cherry flowers earlier than most deciduous ornamentals, providing forage for early pollinators when few other sources are available. Unlike many fruiting shrubs, it tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and partial shade, making it useful in understory plantings. The fruit is notably higher in vitamin C than most ornamental Cornus species and can be used fresh or preserved, offering dual-purpose appeal in permaculture systems.
Watch out for
Fruit production can be inconsistent in years with late frosts, since flowering occurs very early in the season. Plants may take several years to reach productive maturity, and cross-pollination from another cultivar typically improves yield reliability. In warm climates, adequate water during establishment helps prevent stress, though established plants are fairly drought-tolerant.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Cornaceae
Native Range
Central and Southern Europe, Western Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Flood Tolerance
Deer Resistance
Inferred from USDA browse palatability
pH Range
Soil Texture
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
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.