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Description
Cornus Mas, also known as the Cornelian Cherry, is a flowering plant belonging to the Cornaceae family. It is native to Europe and Western Asia and is widely cultivated for its ornamental value, edible fruits, and medicinal properties. The plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and has a dense, spreading crown. Its bark is grayish-brown and its leaves are dark green and glossy. Cornus Mas blooms in early spring, producing clusters of small, bright yellow flowers that are followed by edible, cherry-like fruits in late summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cornales |
| Family | Cornaceae |
| Genus | Cornus |
Appearance
Cornus Mas is a deciduous tree or shrub that can grow up to 10 meters tall. Its bark is grayish-brown and its leaves are dark green and glossy, turning yellow, orange, and red in the fall. The plant blooms in early spring, producing clusters of small, bright yellow flowers that are followed by edible, cherry-like fruits in late summer. The fruits are oblong, fleshy, and bright red when ripe. Cornus Mas has an attractive, spreading crown and is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.
Care Guide
Cornus Mas is a hardy plant that is easy to care for. Here are some tips for growing and maintaining this plant:
Water: Cornus Mas prefers well-drained soil and moderate watering. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch.
Fertilization: Fertilize Cornus Mas once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive growth and disease susceptibility.
Soil: Cornus Mas prefers moist, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, but it does not do well in heavy clay or waterlogged soil.
Sunlight: Cornus Mas prefers full sun to partial shade. The plant can tolerate some shade, but it may not bloom as well in shady areas.
Hardiness Zones: Cornus Mas is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cornus Mas is relatively pest and disease-resistant, but it can be affected by the following issues:
Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spotting, twig dieback, and cankers. It can be treated with fungicides and proper pruning to improve air circulation and reduce moisture.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stems. It can be treated with fungicides and proper pruning to improve air circulation and reduce moisture.
Scale Insects: These small, sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing and curling of the leaves. They can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Habitat
Cornus Mas is native to Europe and Western Asia and is commonly found in forests, woodlands, and hedgerows. The plant prefers moist, well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Cornus Mas is widely cultivated for its ornamental value, edible fruits, and medicinal properties.
Question and Answer
Q: Are the fruits of Cornus Mas edible?
A: Yes, the fruits of Cornus Mas are edible and can be used to make jams, jellies, and sauces.
Q: Is Cornus Mas a good plant for small gardens?
A: Yes, Cornus Mas is a good plant for small gardens as it has an attractive, spreading crown and does not grow too tall.
Q: Does Cornus Mas require pruning?
A: Cornus Mas does not require pruning, but it can be pruned to control its size and shape or remove damaged or diseased branches.
Q: Is Cornus Mas deer-resistant?
A: Cornus Mas is not deer-resistant and may be eaten by deer if they are present in the area.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cornus Mas:
- Cornus florida (Flowering Dogwood)
- Cornus kousa (Kousa Dogwood)
- Cornus sericea (Red Osier Dogwood)
- Cornus alba (Tatarian Dogwood)
References
- “Cornus mas.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a219.
- “Cornus mas.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/4026/Cornus-mas/Details.
- “Cornus mas.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed August 25, 2021. https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/st141.
