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Cornelian cherry

Scientific Name: Cornus mas

Family: Cornaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cornus mas: The Cornelian Cherry

The Cornus mas, commonly known as Cornelian cherry, European cornel, or dogwood, is a captivating flowering plant appreciated for its ornamental value and edible fruit.

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant produces cherry-like fruits, which may be attractive to pets.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant produces cherry-like fruits, which may be attractive to children.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

  • Scientific Name: Cornus mas
  • Common Names: Cornelian cherry, European cornel, dogwood, Cornelian-cherry dogwood, cornel
  • Family: Cornaceae (Dogwood family)
  • It belongs to the genus Cornus and is one of approximately 40 species within the Cornaceae family.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to southern Europe, central and southern Europe, Eastern Europe, and western Asia.
  • Hardy to zone (UK) 5 and to zone 4 generally.
  • Thrives in well-drained urban conditions.
  • Can be found in gardens, as a specimen plant, and in masses.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Deciduous shrub or small tree.
  • Grows to approximately 6 meters (about 20 feet) in height, sometimes reaching 15 to 25 feet tall with a spread of 12 to 20 feet.
  • Slow-growing.
  • Upright growth habit.
  • Vigorous and bushy, with twiggy branches.
  • Produces masses of small yellow flowers in early spring (February-March).
  • Features dark green foliage that turns red-purple in autumn.
  • Bears cherry-like fruits.

Uses

  • Primarily grown as an ornamental plant.
  • The cherry-like fruits are edible, and used in preserves, marmalades, jams, and other sweet confections.
  • Can be used as hedging.

Quirky Facts

  • Although called Cornelian cherry, it's not a true cherry; it's a member of the dogwood family.
  • Cornelian cherries are sometimes mistaken for cranberries.
  • It blooms very early in the spring, often with delicate clusters of bright yellow flowers on bare stems.

Further Information

  • The RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) offers information on Cornus mas.
  • Dave's Garden is a community that shares tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
  • Encyclopedia.com has articles, videos, and information on Cornelian cherry.
  • Arnold Arboretum is a place where Cornus mas can be found in late March.