Cornus mas

Large shrub, rarely a small tree, 3-6 (8) m tall and wide; initially broadly upright, finally broadly bushy to domed with extended, almost horizontal twigs, slow-growing, 10-20 cm a year.

Enchanting spring flowers with masses of small, yellow umbels before leaves shoot (February) March to April, persistent, especially in cool weather three to four weeks, slight, sweet fragrance.

Oval, cherry-size stone fruits, from August, shiny scarlet to blackish red, edible, acidic.

Elliptical, intense; pale yellow or orange in autumn, from October.

Very intense cordate roots, sensitive to soil compaction; needs careful planting.

Sunny to semi-shady, very crooked in dark shade; tolerates heat, frost hardy, good for urban areas; wind resistant, not demanding, adaptable shrub.

On all well drained, nutritious, possibly chalky substrates.

Takes well to cutting, from June and not too late in the year as the twigs become increasingly hard and brittle; the plant's natural tendency to grow into a tree can be furthered with special cultivation. We offer one-stem, attractive small trees.

Zone 5a