Cornelian Cherries
Cornelian Cherry is a beautiful multi-stemmed tree native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, cultivated for over 7,000 years and prized in ancient Greece for its tart, cherry-like fruits. Despite being a member of the dogwood family, the glossy red drupes resemble pie cherries in flavor and usage, making excellent jams, jellies, syrups, and pies while also enjoyed fresh or pressed into traditional juice drinks popular throughout their native range.
The tree provides exceptional ornamental value with striking bright yellow blossoms appearing in early spring before the leaves emerge, offering critical early-season nectar for bees and beneficial insects when few other sources are available. Lustrous green foliage turns rich burgundy and purple tones in fall, creating multi-season interest. This hardy, easy-to-grow tree reaches 10-15+ feet with an attractive bushy form and can be maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to develop into a small specimen tree.
Adaptable to various soil types and thriving in full sun to partial shade, Cornelian Cherry is remarkably low-maintenance once established. Suitable for USDA Zones 4-8, this versatile tree combines productive edible harvests with ornamental beauty for edible landscapes, hedgerows, and four-season gardens.
Cornelian Cherries
Cornelian Cherry is a beautiful multi-stemmed tree native to Eastern Europe and Western Asia, cultivated for over 7,000 years and prized in ancient Greece for its tart, cherry-like fruits. Despite being a member of the dogwood family, the glossy red drupes resemble pie cherries in flavor and usage, making excellent jams, jellies, syrups, and pies while also enjoyed fresh or pressed into traditional juice drinks popular throughout their native range.
The tree provides exceptional ornamental value with striking bright yellow blossoms appearing in early spring before the leaves emerge, offering critical early-season nectar for bees and beneficial insects when few other sources are available. Lustrous green foliage turns rich burgundy and purple tones in fall, creating multi-season interest. This hardy, easy-to-grow tree reaches 10-15+ feet with an attractive bushy form and can be maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to develop into a small specimen tree.
Adaptable to various soil types and thriving in full sun to partial shade, Cornelian Cherry is remarkably low-maintenance once established. Suitable for USDA Zones 4-8, this versatile tree combines productive edible harvests with ornamental beauty for edible landscapes, hedgerows, and four-season gardens.
