Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas)

Cornelian cherry is a tough, productive shrub that offers beauty, resilience, and genuine food value in cold climates. It fills unique roles in food forests—early pollinator support, late fruit availability, wildlife value, and dense, high-quality wood. The berries are versatile and excellent for preserves, sauces, fermented drinks, and as a natural cranberry alternative. Hardy, adaptable, and durable, this species is a rewarding addition to diverse edible landscapes.

Cornelian cherry forms a dense, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree with a rounded shape. It produces bright yellow flowers in very early spring before leaf-out, attracting pollinators when little else is blooming. The fruit develops slowly over summer and ripens late, often remaining on the bush into fall. When fully soft, the berries drop naturally and can be efficiently gathered by placing a tarp beneath the plant and shaking the branches. The plant is long-lived, tolerant of cold and variable soils, and thrives with minimal care.

Size at Maturity- 10–20 ft tall, 10–15 ft wide

Current Size- 1 year old 1'-2' seedling

Extremely dense, strong wood; berries make an excellent cranberry substitute when fully softened and ripe; late-hanging fruit extends harvesting window and wildlife value