Bring the Outdoors Home

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood | Plant Profile

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood (Cornus mas) is an ornamental deciduous small tree or shrub. With age, the bark exfoliates and falls to the ground. Before the leaves sprout, small yellow flowers cover the tree. The dark green leaves of summer are not particularly showy in fall. The small red fruits that are produced after blooms die are edible, though sour. They can be turned into jams or spreads.

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood prefers fertile, medium moisture, well drained soils in full sun to part shade. These shrubs or trees propagate via basal shoots that should be removed in landscaped areas as spreading can result in a messy look.

These shrubs are best for spring interest when flowers are in full bloom. They are often grouped as hedges or borders. They are also popular in naturalized areas where they are permitted to spread.

Description

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood Characteristics

Cornelian Cherry Dogwood are multi-stemmed shrubs that can be trained as small trees if desired. They can grow up to 25' tall with an equal spread. After the flowers fall, dark green leaves and small red fruits emerge.

This is a notably disease resistant variety of dogwood. They are more susceptible to diseases and insects when stressed. Root rot is common in poorly drained soils. Because the fruits are sour, these shrubs are tolerant of deer but are attractive to birds and pollinating insects.

USDA Climate Zone
Zones 4 - 8
Height
15.00 - 25.00
Spread
15.00 - 20.00'
Bloom Time
March
Water
Medium
Sun
Full Sun - Part Shade
Maintenance
Low
Deer Resistant?
Yes