Cornelian-cherry dogwood is a small, 20- to 25-foot-high tree or large shrub that thrives in well-drained urban conditions as a specimen plant, in masses, near a patio, or as a hedge. Tight clusters of small star-shaped yellow flowers bloom in early spring, covering the tree before leaves emerge. Clean, medium-green foliage appears in summer, shortly followed by dark red fruits, ripening in July. The tree is native to Europe and Asia.
This plant has some cultivated varieties. Go to list of cultivars.
Botanical name:
All common names:
Family (English):
Family (Botanic):
Planting Site:
- Residential and parks,
- City parkway,
- Wide median,
- Under utility lines
Tree or Plant Type:
- Shrub,
- Tree
Foliage:
- Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native Locale:
- Non-native
Landscape Uses:
- Hedge,
- Massing,
- Mixed border,
- Shade tree,
- Specimen,
- Utility
Size Range:
- Small tree (15-25 feet),
- Compact tree (10-15 feet),
- Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
Mature Height:
Mature Width:
Light Exposure:
- Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily),
- Partial sun/shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
Hardiness Zones:
- Zone 4,
- Zone 5 (Chicago),
- Zone 6,
- Zone 7,
- Zone 8
Soil Preference:
- Alkaline soil,
- Moist, well-drained soil
Tolerances:
- Dry sites,
- Occasional flooding,
- Alkaline soil
Acid Soils:
- Tolerant
Alkaline Soils:
- Tolerant
Salt Spray:
- Moderately Tolerant
Soil Salt:
- Intolerant
Drought Conditions:
- Intolerant
Poor Drainage:
- Intolerant
Ornamental Interest:
- Spring blossoms,
- Fall color,
- Edible fruit,
- Showy fruit,
- Showy flowers,
- Attractive bark
Seasons of Interest:
- early spring,
- early summer,
- midsummer,
- late summer,
- early fall
Flower Color & Fragrance:
- Yellow
Shape or Form:
- Multi-stemmed,
- Oval,
- Round
Growth Rate:
- Slow
Transplants Well:
- No
Wildlife:
- Birds
More Information:
Tree & Plant Care
A tough, adaptable small multi-stemmed tree or large shrub.
Prune in spring after flowering.
Disease, pests and problems
No serious problems.
Native geographic location and habitat
Native to Europe and Asia.
Bark color and texture
Bark is an attractive dark gray to reddish brown with scaly, exfoliating patches for some winter interest.
Leaf or needle arrangement, size, shape, and texture
Opposite, simple, oval to elliptical, entire with distinct veins, 2 1/2 to 5 inches long, dark green above, lighter below.
Flower arrangement, shape, and size
Small (1/8 inch) yellow flowers in tight clusters of about 1 inch wide, very numerous, appearing before the leaves in early spring.
One of first trees to flower in spring.
Fruit, cone, nut, and seed descriptions
Elongated, bright red drupe, 1/2 to 3/4 inch long, ripening in late summer.
Cultivars and their differences
Golden Glory (Cornus mas ‘Golden Glory’): 12 to 15 feet high and 8 to 10 feet wide; narrow, upright form.