Cornus mas

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The species Cornus mas, often known as the Cornelian Cherry, is an unusual slow-growing fruiting ornamental tree, which has been cultivated in the Middle East for thousands of years.

The simple yellow flowers are amongst the earliest to appear, usually in February.

Whilst many Cornus species produce fruitlets, Cornus mas is the species most commonly grown for fruit production. These appear in summer, looking a bit like hawthorn berries, and have a range of culinary uses, particularly in middle-eastern dishes.

Unlike most of the other flowering dogwoods, the tiny yellow flowers arrive very early in the spring, and are not surrounded by the usual large petal-like bracts. In autumn the leaves take on autumnal colours.

Like many slow-growing trees, the wood is surprisingly dense.

Cornus mas flowering dogwood trees for sale

All our pot-grown trees are grown for us to our specification by the Frank P Matthews nursery.

• 2-year pot-grown tree £81.00

  In a 12L pot
  Medium size (2.5m-3.5m after 10 years)
  

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Delivery from 8th January 2026 onwards.

How to grow

Cornus mas grows best in neutral or slightly acidic soils. It cannot tolerate chalky soils.

Cornus mas characteristics

• Gardening skillBeginner
• AwardsRHS AGM (former) - 2002
• Attractive featuresAttractive flowersAttractive fruitAttractive foliage
• Growth habitSpreading / Flat-topped
• Height after 10 years2.5m-3.5m / 8ft-12ft
• SunlightTolerates shade
• PruningDo not prune
• Growth rateSlow
• Site conditionsWindy site
• WildlifeAttractive to birds
• Flower colourYellow
• Flowering monthFebruary
• Leaf colourGreen
• Leaf colour - autumnMultiple tints
• Leaf/Flower sequenceFlowers appear first
• Fruit colourRed
• Annual cycleDeciduous