common name:
Cornelian cherry Dogwood
|
scientific name:
Cornus
mas
Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) bearing bright red fruit at the Kimmel Education and Research Center, Nebraska City, Nebraska, August 8, 2025
Image Creadit:
Trey Lamkins, Graduate Research Assistant
Cornelian cherry dogwood (Cornus mas) is an early-blooming deciduous small tree or large shrub valued for its bright yellow flowers that appear in early spring before the foliage emerges. As a member of the genus Cornus, which includes dozens of species of dogwoods, it stands out for its exceptionally early bloom time and edible fruit. Following flowering, it develops glossy green leaves and later produces red, cherry-like drupes that are attractive to wildlife and can be used in jams, syrups, and preserves.
Charecteristics
Plant type:
Deciduous shrub
Hardiness Zones:
4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 7, 8
Light Needs:
Full Sun
Water Needs:
Moist
Space Requirements:
12-24 feet
Height Requirements:
10– 5 feet
Spread Requirements:
More than 12 feet
Bloom Color:
Yellow
Bloom Time:
Spring
Leaf Color:
Green
Wildlife Attraction:
Birds
Uses:
Flowering Tree
Varieties