This Cornelian cherry dogwood is a multi-stemmed, low-branching, round to oval, deciduous shrub which typically grows 15-20' (infrequently to 25') tall, and is somewhat more erect in appearance and more vigorous than the species. Can be trained as a small tree by removal of suckers and lower branches. Features tiny, star-like, yellow flowers borne in umbels which appear in late winter to early spring before the foliage. This cultivar typically flowers more abundantly than the species. Flowers give way to tiny red drupes which mature in the summer, but are often inconspicuous because hidden by the foliage. Drupes are technically edible, but not particularly tasty and are infrequently harvested unless for use in syrups or jams. Bright red fruits are shaped like an olive between 0.5" to 1" long and about 0.5" wide. Fruit color develops in mid summer. Can be eaten when color becomes dark red or maroon. Deep green, oval leaves acquire a somewhat undistinguished, dull purple tinge in autumn. Attractive grayish brown bark exfoliates on mature branches.
Hardy Zone 4-8
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Sowing instructions:
Natural germination of flowering dogwood usually occurs in the spring following seedfall, but some seeds do not germinate until the second spring. Germination is epigeal. Stratification of freshly collected seed at 41° F for periods up to 120 days is recommended for overcoming embryo dormancy . After stratification sow in spring (surface) in a light shady spot. Can be transpalnted well, once seedling is a few inch tall.
