Cornelian Cherry

Although the flower display of Cornus mas, the cornelian cherry, is not as spectacular as some of its popular relatives, Peter Valder thinks this species is well worth planting. It's one of the few trees which flower in a cold climate in the depths of winter, and its golden yellow blooms are particularly charming against a backdrop of blue sky or dark green foliage.

Plant details

Common name: Cornelian Cherry, Dogwood

Botanic name: Cornus mas

From Latin: cornu - 'a horn', referring to the hard wood, and mas - 'male', referring to the visual dominance of the pollen bearing stamens.

Description: A deciduous tree growing to about 8m (25'). The leaves are dark green and hairy with paler undersides, but they change to red in autumn before falling. In late winter and early spring clusters of small, golden yellow flowers with prominent yellow stamens appear, followed by edible scarlet berries which ripen in late summer and autumn. The tree also has very interesting and attractive bark. Cultivars with variegated leaves are available.

Best climate: Perth, Sydney and areas south.

Good points:

tiny but charming golden yellow flowers winter colour edible red berries attractive bark

Downside:

The flower display is not quite as showy as spring flowering dogwoods such as Cornus florida, but the cheerful, yellow winter flowers are most welcome when everything else in the garden is bare.

Care:

Dogwoods like fertile, well-drained soil and a position in sun or light shade with protection from drying winds.

Getting started:

Cornelian cherry may be difficult to find, but your local nursery should be able to order one in for you. You may like to try a specialist rare plant nursery, such as:

NSW

Quindalup Specialist Nursery (where our segment was filmed)
Sproules Lane
Bowral (2 hours from Sydney).
Phone: (02) 4887 1254
They have plants available in 200mm (8") pots for $15.95, and 300mm (12") pots for $29.50.

VIC
Yamina Rare Plants
25 Moores Rd, Monbulk, 3793
Phone: (03) 9756 6335
Dicksonia Rare Plants
686 Mt Macedon Rd, Mt Macedon, 3441
Phone: (03) 5426 3075

TAS
Woodbank Nursery
2040 Huon Rd, Longley, 7150
Phone: (03) 6239 6452

Copyright CTC Productions 2000