Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to central and southern Europe and western Asia, grown for its dense clusters of showy yellow flowers that emerge in early spring before the leaves. Hardy in zones 4-8, it reaches 15-25 feet tall with a 12-20 foot spread, developing distinctive scaly, exfoliating bark on mature trunks. The tree produces edible, showy fruits and tolerates clay soil and deer browsing, making it a low-maintenance addition to any landscape. Its early bloom time and bird-attracting fruits offer season-long interest from late winter through fall.
Partial Sun
Moderate
4-8
300in H x 240in W
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Low
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Dense umbels of yellow flowers bloom in early spring before any foliage appears, creating a striking early-season display. The scaly, exfoliating bark adds winter textural interest long after bloom fades. Edible fruits follow the flowers, attracting birds and providing ornamental appeal well into autumn. This tree shows excellent resistance to dogwood anthracnose and dogwood borer, two serious pests that plague many other dogwood species.
Cornelian Cherry Dogwood serves primarily as an ornamental flowering tree and hedging plant. The showy spring blooms and subsequent edible fruits make it valuable for mixed borders and specimen plantings where early-season color is desired. Its tolerance of deer and clay soils, combined with low maintenance needs, positions it as a practical choice for naturalized landscapes and wild gardens where it attracts birds. The edible fruits can be harvested for fresh eating or processing.
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Prune young trees to establish a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches. Remove root suckers promptly by cutting them flush with the base or trunk to prevent the tree from spreading horizontally. Mature trees require minimal pruning; remove any crossing branches, dead wood, or branches that impede the tree's natural vase-like form. Late winter is the optimal pruning time, before the early spring flowers emerge.
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“Cornus mas originates from central and southern Europe extending into western Asia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The species has ancient roots in Mediterranean and Asian gardens, valued for both its ornamental appeal and its fruit production. Over time, this dogwood earned recognition as a hardy, reliable tree for temperate regions, eventually becoming a mainstay in European and North American horticulture. Its resilience and multi-season interest have ensured its continued cultivation across diverse climates.”