Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: Spring has Sprung, 5 by ViburnumValley

ViburnumValley wrote:
So, back to the Cherry Dogwoods.

I use this common name because it is far more memorable than Cornelian Cherry, or Japanese Cornel. Both species Cornus mas and Cornus officinalis are members of the Dogwood genus, and rightly should have Dogwood in their common names. Grumble, grumble.

Cornus mas hails from Europe and western Asia, and has been cultivated since ancient times. The fruit can be made into preserves, and if allowed to fully ripen, tastes pretty good right off the plant. Consumed too soon, you will pucker up with astringency.

There are many named selections available, of which I have been growing many clones here at the Valley - now up to 10 taxa. In Europe, many are grown for commercial fruit production, which may not be available in North America.

Here are a few images. None are terribly dissimilar to Cornus officinalis.

1. Cornus mas \'Golden Glory\' - twelve year old plants from 3G pots.

2. Cornus mas \'Golden Glory\' - the same two plants, now 30 years old.

3. Cornus mas \'Flava\' - this will have yellow fruit, rather than red.

4. Cornus mas \'Dripping Cherries\'

5. Cornus mas \'Pyramidalis\'