Cornus mas L.

A deciduous shrub or small tree sometimes 45 ft high, of spreading, rather open habit; young branchlets covered with minute, flattened, greyish hairs. Leaves ovate, 11⁄2 to 4 in. long, 3⁄4 to 11⁄2 in. wide (sometimes considerably larger on strong shoots); apex slender-pointed; base tapered or rounded; dark dull green, both surfaces furnished with centrally attached, flattened hairs; veins in three to five pairs; stalk 1⁄4 in. or less long. Flowers 1⁄6 in. diameter, yellow, produced in February and March on the leafless stems in short-stalked umbels from the joints of the previous year’s wood, each umbel about 3⁄4 in. across, enclosed before opening in four downy, boat-shaped bracts. Fruit a bright red, oblong drupe 5⁄8 in. long, about 1⁄2 in. wide, indented at the apex, of good acid flavour. Bot. Mag., t. 2675.

Native of Europe, cultivated for centuries in Britain. Before the introduction of the Japanese witch hazels the Cornelian cherry was the most effective of yellow-flowering shrubs in bloom as early as February. It is still one of the most valuable we have. As it is without foliage when in bloom, it is a great advantage if it can be associated with some evergreen, such as holly. The fruit is handsome, but not, in my experience, freely borne. The wood, although limited in quantity, has considerable value because of its tough, hard, durable nature. It was formerly, if not now, much used on the continent for small articles in domestic use. The fruit also used to be made into a rob (syrup) or preserve. The following varieties are in cultivation: