Very early spring bloom, a mass of fuzzy, small yellow star-shaped flowers before the leaves. Some of the first flower to appear in spring! Fruit also appears earlier, great for providing food to hungry birds after the winter. Bright, olive-shaped red fruits are edible and appear among the dark green glossy leaves in late summer. Fruit can be eaten fresh, used in pies, preserves and syrups. Reddish-purple fall colors vary year to year. Scaly, exfoliating bark that curls back and can be displayed by removing lower branches to make a tree form. If left alone, will grow as a dense, bushy shrub great for screening and hedges, growing 20 ft. x 20 ft. Full sun to part shade. Well-drained rich soils. Cultivated in Asian and Europe since ancient times, where Cornelian cherry is native. A tough dogwood that is also resistant to anthracnose. Hardy to -30° F. Zone 5-8.
ZONE: 5-8
POLLINATION/BLOOM TIME: Mid spring. Partially self-fruitful; will set more with another seedling or variety of cornus mas. Does not cross-pollinate with other cornus species.
RECOMMENDED GROWING AND CARE:
Full sun, balanced moisture, mildly acidic soils and good drainage. Remove infrequent suckers to control spread.
CHILL HOURS: n/a hours below 45F.
DISEASE RESISTANCE: Very good. Resistant to anthracnose.
SIZE AT MATURITY: To 25' x 20'
