Cornus mas 'AUREA' Cornelian cherry

Cornelian cherry is one of those plants that regain their well-deserved attention as old-fashioned fruiting plants. It originates in Europe and can be found on sunny slopes of Czech and Slovak countryside, too.

It is a slow growing large shrub or small tree with profusion of bright yellow flowers composed in small spherical umbels in late winter or early spring – after all frosts. They are followed by small, elliptic, rich red and glossy, edible fruit in late summer and early autumn. The fruit is high in vitamin C and is mostly processed into jams and juices.
Cornelian cherry is not a frequent subject of breeding. Still, there are a few interesting varieties. Aurea is one of them and produces bright yellow-green new foliage that turns softer green in summer and pale pink, red and orange in autumn.

It is a hardy and maintenance-free plant. It does well in almost any reasonably drained soil in full sun. Pruning can be done in late winter or after flowering but is not usually required. Hardy to min. -34°C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 07-10-2014.