Cornelian cherry
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The Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a species of flowering plant in the dogwood family Cornaceae, native to southeastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a large deciduous shrub or small tree growing to 5–12 m (exceptionally to 18 m) tall, with dark brown branches and greenish twigs. The leaves are opposite, 4–10 cm long and 2–4 cm broad, with an ovate to oblong shape and a finely serrated margin. The flowers are borne in clusters of 10–25 together, each flower with four yellow petals 7–10 mm long. The fruit is a drupe, 2–3 cm long and 1.5–2.5 cm broad, ripening red to orange-red in late summer or autumn; they are an important food source for many birds. The fruit is edible, though with an astringent bitter taste.

Cornelian cherries are relatively easy to grow and are quite tolerant of poor soil. They prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They are not particular about soil type, but prefer well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant once established. Cornelian cherries should be pruned in late winter to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. They can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or root suckers.

Botanical Data

Specie: Cornus mas

Common Names: Dren, Dogwood

Family: Cornaceae

Sub Family: Cornoideae

Tribe: Corneae
Sub tribe: Corninae
Genus: Cornus
Plant type: shrub
Perennial: yes
Endangered:
Application/Uses
edible rating:
good
edible uses:
The fruit can be eaten fresh, made into jams and jellies, or used in pies and other baked goods. The fruit can also be used to make wine.
medicinal rating:
satisfying
medicinal uses:
Cornelian cherries have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The fruit was used to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, and gastrointestinal problems. The bark was used to treat wounds and skin problems. The leaves were used to treat fever and inflammation. The roots were used to treat stomach problems.
health concerns:
Cornelian cherries contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide when metabolized. However, the cyanogenic glycosides are broken down into non-toxic compounds during digestion, so there is no danger of cyanide poisoning from eating the fruit.
other uses:
Cornelian cherries were used to make a yellow dye for wool. The wood was used to make bowls, cups, and other small objects. It was also used to make charcoal. The fruit was used to make a red dye for wool.

Edible parts:


fruit |

#Tags:


hedge | attracts wildlife | scented plants | bee friendly | visual appeal | colouring |
Location Based Data
geo location:
Krcedin
geo region:
Europe - Panonian plain
language used:
english

native:
yes

flowering start month:
february
flowering start day:
mid
flowering lasts for
45 days

fruiting start month:
july
fruiting start day:
beggining
fruiting time:
60

seed start month:
september
seed start day:
beggining

indoor seed start month:
indoor seed start day:
transplant month:
transplant day:
Growing Data
area needed:
5.0m
spacing around the plant:
3.0m
grow time (non perennials):
None days

growing difficulty:
low
plant is
evergreen

seed optimal temperature:
20°C
seed minimal temperature:
15°C
seed maximal temperature:
30°C

plant optimal temperature:
20°C
plant minimal temperature:
-10°C
seed maximal temperature:
30°C

water:
low
humidity:
root type:
shallow

light:
medium
hardness (1-10):
5
frost tender:

first harvest in
2 years
life span is
None years
succession level

growth rate is
medium
max height is
5.0m
max weight is
5.0m

soil preferance:
ph preferance:
flower type:
hermaphrodite

growth details:
Cornelian cherries are relatively easy to grow and are quite tolerant of poor soil. They prefer full sun but will tolerate partial shade. They are not particular about soil type, but prefer well-drained soil. They are drought tolerant once established. Cornelian cherries should be pruned in late winter to shape the plant and remove any dead or damaged branches. They can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or root suckers.
potential disturbances:
Aphids, scale insects, Cornelian cherry dogwood borers, leaf miners, and powdery mildew can cause problems for the Cornelian cherry. The dogwood borer is the most serious pest, as it can cause the death of the tree. Aphids can cause the leaves to curl and distort, and if left unchecked can cause a great deal of damage. Scale insects can also cause problems, as they can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to disease. Powdery mildew can cause the leaves to turn white and can also cause the fruit to rot.