#Cornelian cherry dogwood cornus mas how to
#Cornelian cherry dogwood cornus mas full

Fruits are average in size, shiny yellow, very tasty, with a distinct pineapple flavour. This adaptable plant is winter hardy to -25 to -30 degrees F. One of the oldiest varieties, known since the 17th century. They are shrub-like trees that can grow up to 15 to 25 feet (4.5-8 m.) in height if left unpruned.

#Cornelian cherry dogwood cornus mas full

The trees do best in full sun to part shade and while they do well in a variety of soils, they prefer fertile, well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5. What is a Cornelian Cherry Plant Cornelian cherries ( Cornus mas) are actually members of the dogwood family and native to areas of eastern Europe and western Asia (they even survive in Siberia). What is a Cornelian Cherry Plant Cornelian cherries (Cornus mas) are actually members of the dogwood family and native to areas of eastern Europe and western Asia (they even survive in Siberia).

#Cornelian cherry dogwood cornus mas how to

More often, the trees are seen as ornamental specimens, popular and planted around the 1920s.Ĭornelian cherry cultivation is suited to USDA zones 4 through 8. Keep reading to find out how to grow cornelian cherry trees, uses for cornelian cherries, and other interesting facts about the plant.

While historically significant, cornelian cherries have not been mass produced due to the elongated pit inside the fruit that is difficult to remove, as it is firmly entrenched in the pulp. Russians even make it into a cornelian cherry wine or add it to vodka. There is actually a myriad of other uses for cornelian cherries such as for syrups, jellies, jams, pies, and other baked goods. In fact, the ancient Greeks pickled the fruit much like olives. Its yellow flowers appear in early spring before the leaves emerge. The ensuing fruit is initially very tart and looks much like olives. The cornelian cherry dogwood is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Although the plant is known primarily as an ornamental in the United States, ancient Greeks have been growing cornelian cherries for 7,000 years! Bright green glossy leaves turn purplish red in the fall. The bark of the tree is flaky, grayish brown to brown. They bloom early in the season, even prior to forsythia, and bloom for an extended period of time, carpeting the tree in a yellow haze of tiny blossoms. The plant can live and be fruitful for up to 100 years.

What is a Cornelian Cherry Plant?Ĭornelian cherries ( Cornus mas) are actually members of the dogwood family and native to areas of eastern Europe and western Asia (they even survive in Siberia!). You may not be familiar with cornelian cherry cultivation and wonder what the heck is a cornelian cherry plant? Keep reading to find out how to grow cornelian cherry trees, uses for cornelian cherries, and other interesting facts about the plant. I’m talking about growing cornelian cherries. At maturity, it looks a bit like an elongated, bright red cherry and, in fact, its name references cherries, but it isn’t related to them at all.