Cornelian cherry
Cornus mas
Botanical family: Cornaceae
Cornus mas, a native Cornaceae of woods and hedges on chalk, with very early yellow flowering (in March, before the leaves) and red fruits edible when fully ripe (cornelian cherries). Not to be confused with the common dogwood (Cornus sanguinea). Sources: Tela Botanica, “Cornus mas L.” (Coste's flora); Plants For A Future, “Cornus mas”.
Sun to partial shade
Ordinary, well-drained; tolerates chalk and drought
Low once established
Very hardy (~-25 °C)
Overwinters in your zone
Role in permaculture
A native shrub or small tree, one of the VERY FIRST to flower (February-March): its golden-yellow clusters offer precious nectar to bees coming out of winter. Its tart red cornel berries are eaten well ripe or as jelly. Hardy, frugal, and early nectar-bearing, it's perfect in an edible country hedge, to be distinguished from the common dogwood, ornamental, with bitter, emetic fruits.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
Red cornelian cherries gathered in September, fully ripe; they are often eaten bletted, towards the end of the month.
Available: September.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Plants For A Future, « Cornus mas » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Cornus+mas)
- Service public de Wallonie, brochure de la Semaine de l'arbre 2019 consacrée au cornouiller (environnement.wallonie.be)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
To be picked well-ripe (soft), very acid and astringent otherwise.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Before you forage
This plant is often gathered from the wild. Only pick what is abundant, never a protected species, and never uproot a whole plant (roots) without the landowner's permission. Rules vary by country and region, check locally.
Key takeaways
- • Prefers sun to partial shade exposure.
- • Ideal soil: ordinary, well-drained; tolerates chalk and drought.