shrub

Cornelian cherry

Cornus mas

Updated 4 Aug 2026 · AI-parsed entry

Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) — a shrub, for Full sun, Medium water.

What it needs & gives back

↓ Needs

Lightfull sun to partial shade
Watermedium

↑ Gives back

Fruitedible drupes
Mulch_biomassmedium
Pollenearly spring source
Nectarearly spring source

Through the year

Through the year

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floweringFlowers very early in spring, often before leaves emerge, after chill fulfillment and when air temperatures rise above 5°C.
fruitingFruits develop after flowering, ripening in mid to late summer.
senescenceLeaves change color and drop in autumn with the first significant frost.

Soil interactions

Drainagewell-drained
Nitrogen fixingNo
MycorrhizalYes
Accumulatescalcium, potassium
Soil textureloam, clay, sandy_loam
Organic matterMedium
Compaction toleranceMedium

Propagation

Methodsseed, cuttings, grafting
Difficulty3 / 5
Establishes in~2 yr
Stratificationrequires cold stratification for 90-120 days
Self-seedingLight
Divisionautumn

Wildlife & pests

Attractsbees, birds