Cornelian Cherry Dogwood

Arbor Walk #122

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 NameCornus mas
Indigenous Name(s)
Cultivar/Variety
Commercial Name
Global Distribution
Where to find Arbor Walk #122 on WashU campus
Our Cornelian Cherry Dogwood in space
GPS Coordinates

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Percent Concrete

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Distance to Buildings
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Distance to Other Species
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Our Cornelian Cherry Dogwood through time
Standard Measurements
YearHeight (m)DBH (cm)Crown Diameter N-S (m)Crown Diameter E-W (m)Average Crown Diameter (m)
20232.675.5/205.035.125.075
Nests and Pests
YearDescription
2023N/A
How to identify a Cornelian Cherry Dogwood
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.

Relationship of Cornus mas to other species in the arboretum
Additional resources on the Cornelian Cherry Dogwood