- The meaning of the Latin name
- flowering time and harvest time
- All cornel varieties are hardy
- Cornelian cherries fertilize themselves
- Small presentation of well-known and little-known varieties
The robust and easy-care Cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) is not a cherry, but a dogwood plant. This fruit tree should always have a place in a natural garden, whether as a single tree or in a hedge.
The color of the fruits of the cornelian cherry vary between yellow, orange and red depending on the variety
The meaning of the Latin name
The Latin name of the cornel is Cornus mas. Cornu means "hard as wood", mas stands for male. The name refers to the hard wood of cornelian cherries.
The fruit tree grows very slowly and takes many years before it produces the first significant harvests.
flowering time and harvest time
The yellow blossom of the cornelian cherry begins in February and lasts until April.
Depending on the variety, the fruits are ready for harvest from the end of August. Very late varieties do not ripen until October.
All cornel varieties are hardy
Cornelian cherries are robust, tolerate pruning and are easy to care for. They also thrive in rather poor locations. Not even road salt bothers them much.
The shrubs are absolutely hardy and do not need winter protection.
Cornelian cherries fertilize themselves
Even if cornel cherries are monoecious with hermaphrodite flowers, you should plant at least two trees in the garden - at least if you want to harvest the sweet and sour fruits for consumption.
The yield is much greater with two cornelian cherries than if you only grow one plant in the garden.
Small presentation of well-known and little-known varieties
| variety name | height / width | fruit | particularities |
|---|---|---|---|
| devin | up to 450 cm | dark red | matures late |
| Elegantissima | up to 300 cm | yellow | yellow variegated foliage |
| golden glory | up to 600 cm | yellow | good hedge plant |
| Yantarnyi | up to 300 cm | golden yellow | big sweet fruits |
| Kazanlaker | up to 700 cm | bright red | big fruits |
| Macrocarpa | up to 500 cm | Red | pear-shaped fruits |
| Pioneers | up to 600 cm | dark red | big fruits |
| Schönbrunn gourmet dirndl | up to 600 cm | Red | sweet, edible raw |
| Variegata | up to 600 / 400 cm | Red | white-edged leaves |
| Jolico | up to 500 / 400 cm | Red | sweet fruit |
| animal tree | up to 500 / 200 cm | dark red | cherry-sized fruit |
tips
Cornelian cherry wood is considered to be one of the hardest woods in Europe. It is so heavy that instead of floating on water, it sinks. Hammer handles and walking sticks used to be made from it.