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Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry)

Cornelian Cherry, Cornel, Sorbet Edible Dogwood

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Cornus mas, Cornelian Cherry, Cornel, Sorbet  Edible Dogwood, Yellow Flowers,  Winter Flowers
Cornus mas, Cornelian Cherry, Cornel, Sorbet  Edible Dogwood, Yellow Flowers,  Winter Flowers
Cornus mas, Cornelian Cherry, Cornel, Sorbet  Edible Dogwood, Yellow Flowers,  Winter Flowers

Remarkably ornamental and adaptable, Cornus mas (Cornelian Cherry) is a deciduous shrub or small tree providing multiseason interest. In late winter to early spring, a profusion of small, rounded clusters of tiny, bright yellow flowers open on the naked branches and will persist for several weeks. The showy blooms are followed by attractive, glossy red, cherry-like fruits in midsummer. Edible, they may be used for syrups and preserves.

Bushy, this small to medium-sized flowering tree sports oval dark green leaves that turn purple in the fall before shedding to the ground and revealing the rough, rich brown, exfoliating bark. A tough landscape tree of great beauty.

  • Winner of the Gold Medal award of The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and of the Cary Award, which recognizes plants that are particularly adequate for New England, offer superior landscape appeal, are winter hardy, and are pest resistant.
  • Grows up to 15-25 ft. tall (450-750 cm) and 12-20 ft. wide (360-600 cm)
  • A full sun or part shade lover, this plant is best grown in average, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Prefers moist, organically rich soils.
  • Perfect as a specimen plant, hedge, or screen for cottage gardens.
  • Low maintenance, this plant is deer-resistant.
  • Promptly remove any suckers to prevent spread.
  • Dogwoods are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases.
  • Propagate by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings or grafting
  • Native to Central and Southern Europe into Western Asia

Dogwood Trees: Add Vibrant Beauty to Your Landscape


Want to learn how to grow and care for a Dogwood tree like a pro? Follow these simple steps and enjoy the beauty of these charming plants.

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Cornaceae
Genus Cornus
Common names Cornelian Cherry, Cornel, Dogwood
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Summer (Mid)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 12' - 20'
(3.7m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
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Do I Need?
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Cornus alternifolia Golden Shadows® (Pagoda Dogwood)
Cornus sanguinea ‘Winter Flame’ (Bloodtwig Dogwood)
Cornus sanguinea Arctic Sun® (Bloodtwig Dogwood)
Cornus sericea Arctic Fire® Red (Redtwig Dogwood)
Cornus florida ‘Appalachian Spring’ (Flowering Dogwood)
Cornus florida ‘Cherokee Sunset’ (Flowering Dogwood)

Recommended Companion Plants

Polygonatum odoratum ‘Variegatum’ (Solomon’s Seal)
Amsonia tabernaemontana (Blue Star)
Schizachyrium scoparium (Little Bluestem)
Helleborus (Hellebore)
Galanthus (Snowdrop)
Aster novi-belgii (New York Aster)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Small Trees and Shrubs That Attract Birds
Small Trees and Shrubs That Bloom In Winter
Roots of Life: Exploring the Diverse World of Trees
35 Best Flowering Trees for a Spectacular Garden Display
Small Trees, Big Impact: Maximize Your Garden’s Potential
Spectacular Trees for Vibrant Fall Colors: A Gardener’s Guide
Pure White Flowers for a Touch of Elegance in Your Garden
24 Types of Dogwood Trees and Shrubs
Dogwood Tree Facts You May Not Know
35 Flowering Shrubs That Thrive in Full Sun
40 Beautiful Native Shrubs for Shade
Flowering Dogwood – Problems and Alternatives
Cornus (Dogwood) – What Is Wrong With My Tree?
Cornus (Dogwood) – Pests and Diseases to Watch Out For
Cornus (Dogwood)
Dogwood Trees: Add Vibrant Beauty to Your Landscape
Trees with Four Seasons of Interest for Your Garden
Create a Garden with Great Winter Interest
Attractive Shrubs and Trees with White Fruits and Berries
Shrubs and Trees with Colorful and Distinctive Twigs in Winter
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Heat Zones 5 - 8
Climate Zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Plant Type Shrubs, Trees
Plant Family Cornaceae
Genus Cornus
Common names Cornelian Cherry, Cornel, Dogwood
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early)
Summer (Mid)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 25'
(4.6m - 7.6m)
Spread 12' - 20'
(3.7m - 6.1m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Deer, Clay Soil
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Hedges And Screens
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Traditional Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
Cornus (Dogwood)
Guides with
Cornus (Dogwood)
Not sure which Cornus (Dogwood) to pick?
Compare Now

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