Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry)

Botanical name

Cornus mas

Other names

Cornelian cherry, Cornel, Sorbet, Edible dogwood, European cornel

Genus

Cornus Cornus

Species

C. mas - C. mas is a vigorous, spreading, deciduous shrub or small tree with ovate, dark green leaves, turning reddish-purple in autumn. Small clusters of yellow flowers bloom in late winter before the leaves emerge, followed by oblong, fleshy, bright red, edible fruit ready for harvest in late summer and early autumn.

Native to

Europe, Western Asia

Foliage

Deciduous

Tree shape

Spreading

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Colour

Flower

Yellow in Winter

Foliage

Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Reddish-purple in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Generally pest-free.

Diseases

Generally disease-free.

General care

Pruning

Pruning group 1.

Propagation methods

Grafting, Hardwood cuttings, Semi-hardwood cuttings

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry) will reach a height of 5m and a spread of 5m after 10 -20 years.

Suggested uses

Low Maintenance, Architectural, City, Cottage/Informal, Containers

Cultivation

Grow in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

North, South, East, West

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

USDA zones

Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry)

Common pest name

Alfalfa dwarf; Anaheim disease; California vine disease; Dwarf disease of alfalfa; Dwarf disease of lucerne; Leaf scald of oleander; Leaf scald of plum; Leaf scorch; Phony disease of peach; Pierce's disease of grapevine; Variegated chlorosis of citrus

Scientific pest name

Xylella fastidiosa subsp. multiplex

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A bacterial disease with a wide host range detected in Corsica. Although EU regulated; there remains some concern about the risk of introduction. This subspecies is known to be able to thrive in cooler climates. Should an outbreak occur; there would be a need for eradication action which would result in environmental and social impacts.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry)

Common pest name

; Apple bark beetle; Asian ambrosia beetle; Granulate ambrosia beetle

Scientific pest name

Xylosandrus crassiusculus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Ambrosia beetle which can affect a wide range of broadleaved trees; widespread in Africa; Asia and parts of the US; with outbreaks in France and Italy. The UK climate is unlikely to be suitable for the pest to thrive and cause significant damage but needs to be investigated through research. A Europe-wide PRA will help inform the case for EU regulation. Premises involved in importing wood and host plants from Italy in particular; where official measures are not being taken; should source material carefully.

Defra's Risk register #3

Plant name

Cornus mas (Cornelian cherry)

Common pest name

Black timber bark beetle; Smaller alnus bark beetle; tea root borer

Scientific pest name

Xylosandrus germanus

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Present (Limited)

Likelihood to spread in UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Ambrosia beetle affecting a wide range of trees and woody hosts. Widespread in Europe and elsewhere and now present in the south of England. Impacts can be reduced by good silvicultural practices. Surveillance is being carried out to better determine distribution.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/