Cornus Mas – The Cornelian Cherry

Our Plant of the Month in March is the Cornelian Cherry, as it brings the first splashes of spring color to the landscape. In Germany, this sprawling shrub, also known as Herlitze or Derlitze, blooms in March to April in a rich yellow. Because it is one of the first plants to bloom, it attracts bees and birds and serves as an important nectar plant for them.

• Tough and Resilient**

Contrary to its name, the Cornelian Cherry is not related to sweet or sour cherries, but is classified as a type of dogwood. The name is fitting, as the wood of the Cornelian Cherry is one of the hardest in Europe: it is so dense that it sinks in water!

The large shrub is often multi-stemmed and becomes tree-like with age. It can grow up to seven meters tall, though it grows relatively slowly at about 30 cm per year. Its bark is light, slightly corky, and fibrous.

• Versatile Use**

The Cornelian Cherry is popular not only because of its vibrant flowers in round clusters and edible fruits but also because it can be planted and used in various ways. The shrub is ideal for hedges as an attractive privacy screen, as it tolerates strong pruning very well. However, the Cornelian Cherry also looks great as a single shrub or even as a tree.

Its leaves are oval, pointed, and often wavy at the edges. They shine in rich green and turn a vibrant yellow-orange in the fall.

Although the approximately 2 cm long fruits are not true cherries, they are edible and contain a lot of vitamin C. They reach ripeness starting in August when the fruits are dark red and soft. Initially, they have a sour taste, which is perfect for making jelly or liqueur. During the further ripening process, which lasts until October, the flavor changes and becomes intensely sweet and cherry-like.
By the way: The Cornelian Cherry also bears fruit without pruning!

• Tolerant with Regard to Soil and Location**

When it comes to soil and location, the Cornelian Cherry is an undemanding plant. It is very soil-tolerant, thriving in slightly alkaline soils, but it also tolerates sandy to calcareous soil. The best location for it is a sunny to partially shaded spot.