Notes

Fruit - raw, dried or used in preserves[1][2][3][4][5][6]. Juicy, with a nice acid flavour[7]. The fully ripe fruit has a somewhat plum-like flavour and texture and is very nice eating, but the unripe fruit is rather astringent[K]. It is rather low in pectin and so needs to be used with other fruit when making jam[4]. At one time the fruit was kept in brine and used like olives[6]. The fruit is a reasonable size, up to 15mm long, with a single large seed[K]. A small amount of edible oil can be extracted from the seeds[3]. Seeds are roasted, ground into a powder and used as a coffee substitute[6].

 

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame or in an outdoors seedbed if there is sufficient seed[11][12]. The seed must be separated from the fruit flesh since this contains germination inhibitors[11][13]. Stored seed should be cold stratified for 3 - 4 months and sown as early as possible in the year[13]. Scarification may also help as may a period of warm stratification before the cold stratification[11][13]. Germination, especially of stored seed, can be very slow, taking 18 months or more[13]. Prick out the seedlings of cold-frame sown seeds into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow the plants on for their first winter in a greenhouse, planting out in the spring after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe side shoots, July/August in a frame[14]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current year's growth, taken with a heel if possible, autumn in a cold frame. High percentage[15]. Layering of new growth in June/July. Takes 9 months[15].

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Cornus mas. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.

 

Cultivation

An easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil of good or moderate fertility[16], ranging from acid to shallow chalk[17]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist soil[18] and a sunny position[19] but also succeeds in light shade[14]. Plants are fairly wind resistant[K]. Plants grow and crop well in pots. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -25°c[20]. At one time the cornelian cherry was frequently cultivated for its edible fruit, though it has fallen into virtual disuse as a fruit crop in most areas[2]. It is still being cultivated in parts of C. Europe and there are some named varieties[6]. 'Macrocarpa' has larger fruits than the type[21]. 'Nana' is a dwarf form, derived from a yellow-fruited clone[21]. 'Variegata' has been seen on a number of occasions with very large crops of fruit, even in years when the type species has not fruited well[K]. 'Jolico' has well-flavoured fruits 3 times larger than the species. There are also a number of cultivars with yellow, white and purplish fruit. Seedlings can take up to 20 years to come into fruit. Plants produced from cuttings come into fruit when much younger, though they do not live as long as the seedlings. A very ornamental plant[16] it flowers quite early in the year and is a valuable early food for bees[5][18]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[17].

Cornelian Cherry

Cornelian Cherry

Botanical name   Cornus mas
Family   Cornaceae
Details   Fruit - raw, dried or used in preserves. Juicy, with a nice acid flavour. The fully ripe fruit has a somewhat plum-like flavour and texture and is very nice eating, but the unripe fruit is rather astringent.
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;
Diameter   4.00
Height (m)   5
Flowers   Yellow
Edible  
Fruit / berries  
Perennial  
Shade / Sun   Sun to part shade
Soil type   Most types, prefers moist site
Wind tolerance   Strong winds

 Related

Cornelian cherry seeds

Cornelian cherry seeds

Common name   Cornelian cherry
Botanical name   Cornus mas
Details   Cornus mas, commonly known as Cornelian cherry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to parts of Europe and Asia. It is prized for its ornamental beauty, culinary uses, and medicinal properties. Cornus mas produces clusters of small, bright yellow flowers in late winter to early spring, followed by oblong red fruits that ripen in late summer to early fall. The fruit is tart when eaten fresh but can be used in jams, jellies, and beverages. The plant has glossy green leaves that turn red or purple in the fall, adding to its ornamental value. Cornus mas is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. It is also valued for its medicinal properties, with the fruit believed to have antioxidant and immune-boosting effects. Overall, Cornus mas is a versatile and attractive plant with both aesthetic and practical benefits.
Edible  
Fruit / berries  
Perennial  
Price   $4.10  20 seeds
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