Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
Arbor Walk #122, TreeKeeper ID #2742
A beautiful non-native from Europe and Asia, this tree shows off its gorgeous star-shaped, yellow flowers in early spring before its leaves emerge. This tree gets its common name from its brght red fruits that somewhat resemble cherries. The color resembles the semi-precious gemstone carnelian, which is sometimes spelled cornelian.
The fruit is also edible! It can be eaten fresh or dried, and it is used in many European drinks, syrups, preserves, jams, and sauces. This fruit, however, is very bitter before it is fully ripe.
| Common Name(s) | Cornelian Cherry Dogwood |
|---|---|
| Latin Name | Cornus mas |
| Indigenous Name(s) | |
| Cultivar/Variety | |
| Commercial Name |
Global Distribution
GPS Coordinates
N/A
Percent Concrete
N/A
Distance to Buildings
| Year | Close Building #1 | Close Building #2 | Close Building #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Distance to Other Species
| Year | Close Species #1 | Close Species # 2 | Close Species # 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard Measurements
| Year | Height (m) | DBH (cm) | Crown Diameter N-S (m) | Crown Diameter E-W (m) | Average Crown Diameter (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2.67 | 5.5/20 | 5.03 | 5.12 | 5.075 |
Nests and Pests
| Year | Description |
|---|---|
| 2023 | N/A |
Leaf Identification
The leaves of the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood are 2″ to 5″ long and 1″ to 3″ wide. The leaf shape is typically ovate or elliptical and is completely smooth (glabrous). It has an entire margin, and it has arcuate veins. The leaf arrangement is opposite, such that each leaf branches from the stem opposite of another leaf.
Twig and Bud Identification
The twigs of the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood are glabrous and can be purple, red, or green. The pith is usually white. The leaf buds are slender and pointed, but the flower buds are bigger and round.
Bark Identification
The Cornelian Cherry Dogwood’s bark is dark gray to reddish-brown. It has exfoliating bark.
Fruit Identification
The fruit of the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood is a bright red or yellow drupe. They are elongated and usually 1/2″ long. The fruit is edible when it is dark red. The fruits mature in mid-summer.
Flower Identification
The flowers of the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood form in tight clusters in early spring. It is an umbel inflorescence (umbrella shaped), and each flower is very small and yellow.
