Cornelian Cherry

Cornus mas

Overview

The Cornelian Cherry Tree is one of the first trees to flower in the Spring and can grow to be a small tree or shrub at 15 to 25 feet tall and is native to Central and Southern Europe as well as Western Asia. It has a slow growth rate and can live for about 100 years. The dark-green, glossy leaves are oval shaped and grow 2 to 4 inches long. The small, yellow flowers of the Cornelian Cherry tree grow in clusters and bloom from late March to early April. Its fruit has a deep red and is olive shaped and ripen in the summer that can be made into a syrup or preserves.

Cultivation

The Cornelian Cherry Tree prefers full sun to partial shade with moist, rich, and well-drained soil. It producers suckers, root-based branches at the bottom of the trunk (often caused by stress or damage), which should be removed to control its growth or spread. 

Biodiversity Sustained

The fruit provides food to squirrels and birds thanks to its fruit. Its flowers also attract pollinators such as bees. The leaves and twigs are an excellent food source for deer. 

On Xavier's Campus, over the Next 20 Years, this Tree will:

Stormwater Runoff Intercepted: 3,235 Gallons

CO2 Reduction: 1,436 lbs

Environmental Benefits (in US dollars) Over the Next Decade: $125