Exposure: Full to part sun. Zone 4 to 8
Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil, but widely adaptable to varying soil and acidity. Add lime for best growth.
Growth habits: A small tree to 12 feet high and wide, similar to flowering dogwood or can be pruned into a large multistemmed shrub. Exfoliating bark. Cornelian cherry is covered with bright yellow flowers in very early March followed by an abundance of large (1-1½ inch) sweet-tart cherry red fruit in mid to late summer. Plant two varieties for cross-pollination.
Landscape uses: Actually an edible fruited dogwood that makes an excellent small landscape tree or large shrub for use as a specimen, or in borders or foundation plantings. Useful in permaculture forest gardens or small home orchards.
Edible/Medicinal properties: The beautiful flavorful fruit is tart at first but sweetens a few days after harvest. Good for tasty jams or preserves, dried fruit, cooking, or mead or winemaking.