February Shrub of the Month-Cornelian cherry

Branches that can be brought indoors and forced to bloom are welcome when spring is taking too long to arrive. One uncommon shrub that is easy to force indoors for long-lasting blooms is one of the heralds of spring-Cornelian cherry. (Cornus mas) 

The rounded clusters of yellow flowers, called umbels, are surrounded by tiny, yellow bracts similar to other dogwoods but not as showy. These appear naturally in late winter or early spring.

The red fruits resemble small cherries and are attractive to wildlife. They appear in mid-summer and can be used for preserves, although are a bit sour to the taste right off the tree.

Averaging between 15-25″ high and almost as wide, the Cornelian cherry is a deciduous multi-stemmed shrub that can be pruned into a charming tree shape for smaller spaces. Full to partial shade and organically rich, well-drained soil are preferred. Despite its deciduous nature, the dense habit makes it a decent candidate for screening.

What I love about this plant;

–Excellent resistance to dogwood anthracnose and dogwood borer. 

-High pest and disease resistance when happy.

-Showy red fruits ripen in mid-summer.

-Great for forcing branches indoors.

-Interesting, exfoliating bark.

What’s not so great;

-Suckers can form near the base and need to be removed.

The flower buds of Cornus mas resemble other dogwoods but can found along the stems instead of the branch tips.

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Words and photos by Jo Batzer

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