Cornelian-cherry dogwood, one of the first trees to flower in spring, is a small, 20 to 25 feet high tree or large shrub. It thrives in well-drained urban conditions as a specimen plant, in masses, near a patio, or as a hedge. Tight clusters of small star-shaped yellow flowers bloom in early spring, covering the tree before leaves emerge. Clean, medium-green foliage appears in summer, shortly followed by dark red fruits which ripen in July. The tree is native to Europe and Asia.
- Family (English) Dogwood
- Family (botanic) Cornaceae
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Under utility lines, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree, Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Large shrub (more than 8 feet), Compact tree (10-15 feet), Small tree (15-25 feet)
- Mature height 20-25 feet
- Mature width 15-20 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8
- Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional flooding
- Season of interest early spring, early summer, midsummer, late summer, early fall
- Flower color and fragrance Yellow
- Shape or form Multi-stemmed, Oval, Round
- Growth rate Slow
- Transplants well No
- Wildlife Birds
- Has cultivars Yes
