Cornelian Cherry
Photo by Dave Brigner
Sunday August 31, 2008
Common name: Cornelian cherry
Light: Full sun
Height: 20 ft.
Spread: 12-18 ft.
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
Origin: S. Europe, SE Asia
The Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a deciduous small tree or shrub that has much ornamental value in the landscape. Its common name is misleading, as it is a dogwood and not at all related to the Cherries (Prunus). It’s considered a four-season plant as it’s gray and tan exfoliating bark adds winter interest. Clusters of many small yellow four-petalled flowers appear in spring before the forsythias. One-inch oblong dark red fruit ripen mid to late summer and are often lavished by birds. The bitter-tasting fruit are best when cooked. Cooking them down with sugar and orange gives them a taste reminiscent of cranberry and sour cherry. They are sometimes used in jam making. The two to four inch glossy dark green leaves turn yellow with purple-red highlights in the fall. Cornelian cherries are ideal for the mixed shrub border, for screens and specimens. Avoid planting where the branches will grow over sidewalks as staining from the fruit may occur. They prefer moist and rich well-drained soil and can withstand partial sun. A grove of Cornelian cherries is located behind the Pergola at the Franklin Park Conservatory.- Dave Brigner Franklin Park Conservatory
