cornelian cherry
Cornus mas
RHS Plants for Pollinators
USDA zones4 to 8
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to moist soil
Size15 to 25 feet tall15 to 20 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Dense
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a shrub for borders, specimen planting, hedges, and winter interest. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to moist soil of most types. It grows dense and reaches 15 to 25 feet tall. Bees and birds visit it. Deer tend to pass it by.
Pairs well with Lenten rose, Snowdrop, and Little bluestem.
Native range
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, East Aegean Is., and 3 more places. See all 7
Europe, Middle East, Central Asia, East Aegean Is., Krym, NW. Balkan Pen., and Türkiye.