Family: Cornaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 117 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cornus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Europe to Caucasus
Description
The Cornelian-cherry, known scientifically as Cornus mas, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that belongs to the Cornaceae family. This plant has a notable historic and botanical significance, first described by the renowned taxonomist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753.
Native to the regions extending from Europe to the Caucasus, the Cornelian-cherry has adapted to a variety of climates, thriving in woodlands, scrublands, and on the edges of forests. It typically reaches heights between 5 to 12 meters and is reputed for its dense, spreading crown.
One of the primary ornamental attributes of Cornus mas is its early-spring blooming cycle, producing a profusion of small, rich-yellow flowers, which often appear before the leaves. These blooms not only add an early burst of color to gardens but also provide an essential source of nectar for early pollinators.
Following the flowering period, the Cornelian-cherry produces olive-shaped, bright red fruits, which mature in late summer to early autumn. These berries are both ornamental and edible, often described as being tart and sweet, making them excellent for jams, jellies, and even traditional liqueurs in some cultures. The fruit’s vitamin C content adds to its value as a nutritional supplement.
In addition to its aesthetic and nutritional benefits, Cornus mas is valued for its durable, high-quality wood, historically used in crafting tools and fine furniture. The hardy nature and tolerance of various soils also make it a popular choice for hedging and wildlife gardens, contributing to biodiversity by providing food and shelter for birds and other small creatures.
The Cornelian-cherry’s versatility, hardiness, and multi-seasonal appeal ensure its continued popularity among gardeners and plant enthusiasts, making it a cherished component of both cultivated landscapes and natural environments throughout its native range and beyond.
Common Names
Eng: cornejo macho, cornelian cherry, cornelian-cherry, sorbet
Deu: gelber hornstrauch, kornelkirsche, tierlibaum
Dan: kirsebær-kornel
Spa: cornejo común, cornejo macho
Fra: cornouiller mâle
Nld: gele kornoelje
Swe: körsbärskornell
Cym: cwyrosyn y ceirios
En: Cornelian-cherry, Sorbet, Cornelian cherry, Dogwood, European Cornel, Cornelian cherry dogwood, Cornejo macho
Ab: Абгыӡыр
Sq: Thana
Ar: قرانيا أوروبية
Hy: Ճապկի արական
Az: Adi zoğal
Eu: Zuhandor ar
Be: Кізіл звычайны
Bs: Drijen
Bg: Обикновен дрян
Ca: Corneller mascle
Ce: Стов
Zh: 大果山茱萸
Hr: Drenjine, Drijen, Drijenak
Cs: Dřín jarní, Dřín obecný
Da: Kirsebær-Kornel, Kirsebærkornel, Kornelkirsebær
Nl: Gele kornoelje
Eo: Karneca kornuso
Et: Kirss-kontpuu
Fi: Punamarjakanukka
Fr: Cornouiller mâle, Cornouille, Cornouiller sauvage, Cornier, Fuselier
Ka: Შვინდი, Ჩვეულებრივი შინდი
De: Kornelkirsche, Dirndlstrauch, Dürlitze, Gelber Hartriegel, Herlitze, Hirlnuss, Kornellkirsche, Tierlibaum, Gelber Hornstrauch, Dirlitze
El: Κράνα
Hu: Húsos som
Ga: Coirnéilean
It: Corniolo maschio, Corniolo
Ko: 서양산수유
Lt: Geltonoji sedula, Geltonžiedė sedula
Mk: Дрен, Обичен дрен
Gv: Billey cornel
No: Vårkornell
Fa: زغال اخته, زغالاخته
Pl: Dereń Jadalny, Dereń Właściwy
Pt: Cornelian cereja, Corniso, Cornizo
Ro: Corn
Ru: Дёрен мужской, Кизил мужской, Кизил обыкновенный
Sr: Дрењина, Дрењине, Дрен
Sk: Drieň obyčajný
Es: Cornejo común, Cornejo macho, Rumeni dren, Corno europeo, Cornejo de Cornelia
Sv: Körsbärskornell
Tr: Ergen, Ergençiçeği, Kiren, Kızılcık
Uk: Дерен справжній, Кизил справжній, Кизил, Кизиль
Cy: Cwyrosyn y ceirios
Synonyms
- Cornus mas f. andrzejowskii (Wierdak)
- Cornus homerica (Bubani)
- Cornus mas f. aurea (C.K.Schneid.)
- Macrocarpium mas ((L.) Nakai)
- Cornus mas var. albocarpa ((C.K.Schneid.) Bean)
- Cornus mas f. nana ((Carrière) C.K.Schneid.)
- Cornus mas f. alba ((Weston) Rehder)
- Cornus mas f. albocarpa (C.K.Schneid.)
- Cornus mas f. pyriformis (Sanadze)
- Cornus mas var. flava (Weston)
- Cornus mascula (L.)
- Cornus mas var. oblongifolia (Jovan.)
- Cornus mas f. conica (Jovan.)
- Cornus mascula var. aurea-elegantissima (T.Moore)
- Eukrania mascula ((L.) Merr.)
- Cornus mas f. oxycarpa (Jovan.)
- Cornus mas var. sphaerocarpa (Cretz.)
- Cornus mas var. aurea-elegantissima ((T.Moore) Carrière)
- Cornus mas f. macrocarpa (Dippel)
- Cornus mas f. microcarpa (Sanadze)
- Cornus erythrocarpa (St.-Lag.)
- Cornus mas f. flava ((Weston) Rehder)
- Cornus mas var. xanthocarpa (Bean)
- Cornus vernalis (Salisb.)
- Cornus mas f. luteocarpa (C.K.Schneid. ex Wangerin)
- Cornus mas f. polonica (Wierdak)
- Cornus mas var. nana (Carrière)
- Cornus mas f. elegantissima (G.Nicholson)
- Cornus mas var. alba (Weston)
- Cornus mas f. variegata ((Loudon) G.Nicholson)
- Cornus mas f. aurea-elegantissima ((T.Moore) Schelle)
- Cornus nudiflora (Dumort.)
- Cornus praecox (Stokes)
- Cornus mas var. variegata (Loudon)
- Cornus flava (Steud.)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Austria (native)
- Belgium (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Czechoslovakia (native)
- East Aegean Is. (native)
- France (native)
- Germany (native)
- Hungary (native)
- Italy (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Romania (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Turkey-in-Europe (native)
- Ukraine (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Denmark (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Illinois (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- Norway (introduced)
- Pennsylvania (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Feb 27, 2022 by Hans Steinbacher (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 5, 2022 by Danilo Brugali (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 22, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Mar 4, 2022 by nicolas sauvion (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 17, 2022 by 🐞Hélène🐦 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 17, 2022 by 🐞Hélène🐦 (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 14, 2019 by Chantal Gschwind (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2020 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 23, 2021 by ilaria (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 11, 2017 by Aline Hurault (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 19, 2019 by Tom Koe (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 22, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2021 by Sabrina (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Mar 4, 2022 by nicolas sauvion (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 27, 2022 by Kai Best (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 4, 2022 by nicolas sauvion (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2021 by mario mario (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Irmgard Groß (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Feb 7, 2022 by cscoq (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 29, 2021 by 🐞Hélène🐦 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 20, 2022 by El Mojito (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2021 by Peggy Baudin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3082263)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:271612-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cornus mas L.)
Specifications
Growth form: Single Stem
Growth habit: Tree, Shrub
Growth rate: Slow
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 5.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 4
Bloom months: [‘mar’]
Soil nutriments: 4