Cornus Mas Red Star

Red Star Cornelian Cherry

Botanical name: Cornus mas ‘Red Star’

Overview
A productive selection of Cornelian cherry dogwood prized for its very early yellow flowers and heavy crops of bright red fruit. Blooming before leaf-out, it provides one of the first nectar sources of spring. Glossy green foliage fills in after flowering and turns yellow to reddish tones in fall. ‘Red Star’ is especially valued for its ornamental fruit display and dependable performance.

Size



Width: 15–20 ft



Height: 20–25 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, or 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 upright branching and mature canopy spread



Notes



Shape: Upright oval to rounded canopy



Noted for especially showy fruit production



Fruit edible and suitable for preserves or syrups



Excellent specimen, hedge, or small shade tree



Minimal pruning required; prune only for structure or shaping

Plant type

Flowering Ornamental Tree

Height

20-25'

Width

15-20'

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Early Spring, Spring

Flower color

Yellow

Leaf color

Green

Soil

Moist well-drained

Landscape use

Accent Plant, Specimen

Shape

Oval/Rounded, Upright

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No