How to identify Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas)
Cornelian cherry, also known as Cornelia-cherry, Male dogwood, Dogwood
Cornelian cherry is a deciduous plant characterized by its ability to rise up to 25 feet (7.6 meters) in height and span approximately 20 feet (6 meters) in width. During early spring, this plant stands out with its vibrant yellow blossoms that precede leaf growth. The flowers give way to red, olive-shaped fruits by mid-summer. The plant's dark green, glossy foliage transitions into a patchwork of green, yellow, and reddish-purple hues come autumn. Its mature bark peels away distinctively in scaly patches, offering an additional identifying feature.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
Leaf Type: Deciduous
Vibrant yellow blossoms precede leaf growth, distinctive in early spring.
Red, olive-shaped fruits appear in mid-summer, reaching 0.5-1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm).
Dark green, glossy leaves transition to green, yellow, and reddish-purple in autumn.
Bark peels in scaly patches, revealing grayish-brown to tan hues on trunk.
Oppositely arranged, simple leaves with smooth margins and glossy texture.
The leaves of cornelian cherry are dark green and glossy, arranged oppositely on the stem. They are simple in structure, measuring 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long and 0.75 to 1.5 inches (2 to 4 cm) wide. The leaf margins are smooth and entire, with a consistent dark green color that transitions to a mix of yellows, greens, and reddish-purple in the fall. These leaves are crucial for identifying cornelian cherry due to their distinctive color and glossy texture.
The flowers of cornelian cherry bloom from late March to early April, showcasing a bright yellow hue. These small flowers are gathered into dense clusters, each cluster containing up to 25 individual flowers. Each flower is approximately 0.2 inches (5 mm) in diameter, with four delicate petals arranged symmetrically. The flowers emit a mild, sweet fragrance that attracts early pollinators. Their vibrant yellow clusters are a distinctive feature, heralding the onset of spring.
The fruit of cornelian cherry is an olive-shaped drupe, approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.27 to 2.54 cm) in length and 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) in diameter. When ripe, its skin turns a dark red hue. These fruits reach their mature coloration by mid-summer and are deemed edible upon attaining this vivid red shade. They present a fleshy exterior surrounding a hard inner stone, characteristic of drupes.
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Scientific Classification of Cornelian cherry
