Cornus mas

Cornelian cherry Dogwood

Botanical name: Cornus mas

Overview
A hardy, early-blooming Cornelian cherry dogwood prized for its clusters of bright yellow flowers that appear in very early spring before leaf-out, often among the first woody plants to bloom. Glossy green foliage follows, turning yellow to reddish-purple in fall, and is accompanied by edible, cherry-like red fruits in late summer. Cornus mas is valued for its toughness, ornamental interest, and usefulness in both formal and naturalized landscapes.

Size



Width: 15–20 ft



Height: 15–25 ft



Hardiness



USDA Zones: 4a–8b



Light



Full sun to partial shade



Best flowering and fruiting occur in full sun



Soil



Well-drained soils; adaptable to clay, loam, and sandy soils



Tolerates slightly alkaline to slightly acidic pH



Avoid poorly drained sites



Attracts



Pollinators (early flowers)



Birds (fruit)



Wildlife (food source)



Suitable Conditions



Performs well in cold to moderate climates



Highly adaptable and tolerant of urban conditions



Allow space for spreading canopy and multi-stem form



Notes



Shape: Upright oval when young, maturing to rounded or multi-stemmed



Extremely early bloom season



Fruit edible fresh or used for jams and syrups



Excellent specimen, hedge, or small shade tree



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or shaping

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

15-25'

Width

10-20'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Fall color

Red Violet

Attracts

Birds

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Broad Upright, Horizontal Branching

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No