Cornelian cherry Cornus mas
Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Cornaceae family, native to Central and southeastern Europe, southwest Asia. It grows 4–7 m (13–23 ft) tall and 3–5 m (10–16 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and low water, and is hardy to about -32 °C (-26 °F). Space plants about 4 m (13 ft) apart.
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Cornelian cherry at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Mature height | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Mature spread | 3–5 m (10–16 ft) |
| Spacing | 4 m (13 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -32 °C (-26 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 4) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit (jam, syrup, raw when soft) |
| Native to | Central and southeastern Europe, southwest Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇷🇺 Russia, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Cornelian cherry toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Ripe fruit is edible; stones should not be eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Cornelian cherry
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and low water.
Questions about Cornelian cherry
- How far apart should I plant Cornelian cherry?
- About 4 m (13 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 3–5 m (10–16 ft).
- Does Cornelian cherry need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Cornelian cherry need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Cornelian cherry?
- It tolerates about -32 °C (-26 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 4.
- When does Cornelian cherry flower?
- From about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Cornelian cherry poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Ripe fruit is edible; stones should not be eaten.
- What grows well with Cornelian cherry?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Cornelian cherry. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
Notes and assumptions
- Yellow flowers open on bare wood in late winter, providing early bee forage; tolerates alkaline and clay soil.
- Fruit ripens in late summer; self-fertile but crops better with a second plant.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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